Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| criatura | /kɾjaˈtuɾa/ | feminine |
| creatura | /kɾeaˈtuɾa/ | feminine |
The word is used to refer to a living being. For instance, you might use the slang term bicho to refer to small or non-threatening creatures or the expression bicho raro to colloquially describe a weird creature or an eccentric person.
Which one should you use?
While criatura is the standard modern form, creatura is an older or more regional variant that is significantly less common in modern standard Spanish.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term bestia can be used in certain regions to refer to a creature, though it often carries a negative connotation implying the creature is savage or dangerous. Additionally, the colloquial expression bicho raro is used in some regions, particularly in Latin America.
How does it change in a sentence?
To talk about more than one creature, use the plural form criaturas.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɾjaˈtuɾa/
Did you know?
- While criatura is the general term, Spanish speakers often use bicho for small creatures. In some Caribbean countries, bicho is a vulgar slang term for the penis, so using it to describe a bug can be risky.
- While criatura refers to a living being, in many Spanish-speaking countries, it is also a common, affectionate way for adults to address small children, much like saying 'little one' in English.
- When used as an adjective in some regions, bestial does not mean 'like a creature' but instead acts as an intensifier meaning 'huge' or 'incredible'.
Examples in context
- ¡Qué criatura tan encantadora!What a lovely creature!This sentence shows how to use criatura to express admiration for a lovely creature.Tatoeba #2064001 by lazarus1907, translation #36010 by AlanF_US
- El elefante es una criatura enorme.The elephant is an enormous creature.This sentence uses criatura to describe the scale of an elephant.Tatoeba #1674194 by hayastan, translation #1211462 by alec
- El dragón es una criatura imaginaria.The dragon is an imaginary creature.This sentence uses criatura to describe an imaginary being like a dragon.Tatoeba #513447 by Shishir, translation #325503 by CK
- El tigre es un ser viviente majestuoso.The tiger is a majestic living being.
- El científico observó cautelosamente la criatura marina.The scientist cautiously observed the marine creature.
- El niño estaba persiguiendo un pequeño bicho en el jardín.The child was chasing a little creature in the garden.
- Mira esa ardilla, ¡qué animalito tan simpático!Look at that squirrel, what a lovely little creature!
- El cazador se encontró cara a cara con una feroz bestia en el bosque.The hunter came face to face with a fierce creature in the woods.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are watching a documentary about deep-sea life in their living room.
- LucíaEsa criatura brilla en la oscuridad.That creature glows in the dark.
- MateoEs una criatura muy extraña.It is a very strange creature.
- LucíaMe da un poco de miedo.It scares me a little bit.
- MateoNo te preocupes, Lucía, es solo un pez.Don't worry, Lucía, it's just a fish.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “creature” translations and entries criatura, creatura, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
