delfín
/delˈfin/masculine
The Spanish word for dolphin is delfín.
delfín is a masculine noun used to refer to the aquatic mammal.
Meaning: aquatic mammal (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural, change delfín to delfines.
How do you pronounce it?
/delˈfin/
When do people say it?
Some Spanish speakers may refer to dolphins as Flipper due to the popular TV show.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking contexts, the term delfín can also refer to a 'crown prince' or a political successor, much like the French 'dauphin'.
- The word delfín shares an ancient, unexpected root with the Greek word for 'womb'.
- In some Spanish literary contexts, the delfín is associated with the myth of the 'dolphin' as a savior of sailors, reflecting a Mediterranean cultural tradition rather than just a biological description.
Examples in context
- Un delfín es un mamífero.A dolphin is a mammal.This sentence uses delfín to define what a dolphin is.Tatoeba #1271747 by hayastan, translation #65812 by CK
- Lo que viste fue un delfín.What you saw was a dolphin.This sentence uses delfín to describe something that was seen.Tatoeba #1550645 by marcelostockle, translation #873125 by CK
- ¿Alguna vez has tocado un delfín?Have you ever touched a dolphin?This sentence uses delfín to ask about a physical interaction with the animal.Tatoeba #686897 by Shishir, translation #682206 by Source_VOA
- El delfín es conocido por su inteligencia y amabilidad.The dolphin is known for its intelligence and friendliness.
- ¡Me encantan los delfines! Son animales fascinantesI love dolphins! They are fascinating animals
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are watching the ocean from a boat.
- Alejandro¡Mira, Lucía! ¡Un delfín!Look, Lucía! A dolphin!
- Lucía¡Es verdad! Es un delfín muy grande.It's true! It is a very large dolphin.
- AlejandroEl delfín parece muy feliz.The dolphin looks very happy.
- LucíaSí, es un espectáculo hermoso.Yes, it is a beautiful sight.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dolphin” translations and entries delfín, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries delfín, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
