cobarde
/koˈbaɾde/feminine, masculine
The Spanish word for coward is cobarde. Wiktionary also lists gallina.
Meaning: a person who lacks courage (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cobarde | /koˈbaɾde/ | feminine, masculine |
| gallina | /ɡaˈʝina/ | feminine |
The term cobarde refers to a person who lacks courage.
Which one should you use?
While cobarde is the standard term for a coward, gallina is a colloquial way to call someone a 'chicken'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Argentina, the term miedoso is used to refer to a coward and translates to fearful or timid.
How does it change in a sentence?
Cobarde can function as both a noun and an adjective. The plural form is cobardes. The form cobarde is used for both masculine and feminine subjects. Note that because the slang term gallina is a feminine noun, you must use the feminine article una even if referring to a male coward in a colloquial sense.
How do you pronounce it?
/koˈbaɾde/
Did you know?
- In Spanish literature, particularly in the Golden Age, the concept of being cobarde was often contrasted with 'honra' or honor, making it a legal and social failure rather than just a personality trait.
- The word cobarde is borrowed from the French 'couard', showing how military and courtly terms of courage often traveled between these two nations.
- While cobarde is a heavy insult regarding one's character, miedoso is often used affectionately or playfully to describe someone who is simply jumpy or easily scared.
Examples in context
- Yo soy un cobarde.I'm a coward.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are a coward using cobarde.Tatoeba #1140573 by marcelostockle, translation #1122735 by Scott
- Él me llamó cobarde.He called me a coward.This sentence is useful for describing someone calling you a coward using cobarde.Tatoeba #580986 by Shishir, translation #298099 by CK
- Jim me llamó cobarde.Jim called me a coward.Tatoeba #1597337 by marcelostockle, translation #53272 by CN
- El gerente mostró ser un cobarde al evadir responsabilidades.The manager proved to be a coward by evading responsibilities.
- Siempre evita confrontaciones, ¡es una gallina!He always avoids confrontations, he's such a coward!
- 46 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel is afraid to ask his boss for a raise.
- MaríaDaniel, no seas un cobarde.Daniel, don't be a coward.
- DanielEs que tengo miedo de hablar con él.It's just that I'm afraid to talk to him.
- MaríaÉl es un hombre justo.He is a fair man.
- DanielTienes razón, lo intentaré.You are right, I will try.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coward” translations and entries cobarde, gallina, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cobarde, gallina, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
