caracol
/kaɾaˈkol/
The Spanish word for conch is caracol.
caracol is the term used to refer to a marine mollusc or a conch.
Meaning: marine mollusc (noun)
Which one should you use?
While caracol is the general word for a conch or marine mollusc, it is also the standard word for a land snail.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾaˈkol/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word caracol shares an ancient root with the word cuchara, which means 'spoon'. This is because both words trace back to the Latin term for a spiral shell shape.
- In Spanish, caracol is used not only for molluscs but also to describe a spiral staircase or any object shaped like a helix.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, caracol is used as a slang term for a slow person or someone who takes a long time to complete a task.
Examples in context
- Encontré un caracol en la playa.I found a conch on the beach.
- El caracol es de color blanco.The conch is white in color.
- Mira ese caracol gigante en la arena.Look at that giant conch in the sand.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are walking along the shore.
- Javier¿Ves ese caracol cerca de tu pie, Lucía?Do you see that conch near your foot, Lucía?
- LucíaSí, es un caracol muy bonito.Yes, it is a very pretty conch.
- JavierLo voy a recoger para ti.I am going to pick it up for you.
- LucíaGracias, Javier, es precioso.Thanks, Javier, it is beautiful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry caracol, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caracol, CC BY-SA 4.0.
