diccionario
/ˌdiɡθjoˈnaɾjo/masculine
The English word "dictionary" is diccionario in Spanish. Wiktionary also lists tumbaburros and mataburros.
Meaning: reference work of words and their meanings (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| diccionario | /ˌdiɡθjoˈnaɾjo/ /ˌdiɡsjoˈnaɾjo/ |
masculine |
| tumbaburros | /tumbaburos/ (from spelling rules) | colloquial, masculine |
| mataburros | /ˌmataˈburos/ | colloquial, masculine |
| mataburro | /ˌmataˈburo/ | colloquial, masculine |
| amansaburros | /aˌmansaˈburos/ | colloquial, masculine |
The primary way to refer to a reference work of words and their meanings is diccionario. In informal speech, several colloquial terms are used to describe a dictionary, often implying that the book is heavy or used to subdue difficult words.
What does it mean word for word?
The colloquial terms such as mataburros are literally constructed as "donkey killer" or "donkey tamer".
Which one should you use?
While diccionario is the standard term, you may encounter colloquial forms like tumbaburros, mataburros, mataburro or amansaburros.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
diccionario is the most common translation. The terms tumbaburros, mataburros, mataburro and amansaburros are all colloquial.
How does it change in a sentence?
diccionario is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌdiɡθjoˈnaɾjo/
Did you know?
- The colloquial terms mataburros and tumbaburros use burro not to refer to the animal, but as a slang term for a 'dummy' or an uneducated person.
- The word diccionario is a 'learned borrowing', meaning it was consciously adapted from Medieval Latin rather than evolving naturally through spoken Vulgar Latin.
- In some regions, mataburros can refer to a very thick, heavy physical book that could literally be used as a weapon or a weight.
Examples in context
- Ése es mi diccionario.That's my dictionary.This sentence is useful for identifying ownership of a diccionario.Tatoeba #473454 by Shishir, translation #42367 by CK
- Esto es un diccionario.This is a dictionary.Tatoeba #9736607 by arh, translation #9572732 by Adelpa
- Tom usó el diccionario.Tom used the dictionary.This sentence is useful for describing the use of a diccionario.Tatoeba #10615631 by Eremon, translation #5747447 by CM
- Necesito un diccionario para estudiar español.I need a dictionary to study Spanish.
- 358 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are studying in a library.
- Mateo¿Tienes un diccionario de inglés?Do you have an English dictionary?
- SofíaSí, lo tengo en mi mochila.Yes, I have it in my backpack.
- MateoGracias, necesito buscar una palabra.Thanks, I need to look up a word.
- SofíaNo hay problema, Mateo.No problem, Mateo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dictionary” translations and entries diccionario, tumbaburros, mataburros, mataburro, amansaburros, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries diccionario, mataburro, mataburros, tumbaburros, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
