Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pichón | /piˈt͡ʃon/ | masculine |
| urpi | /uɾpi/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| tortolita | /toɾtoˈlita/ | Latin America, feminine |
| totaqui | /totaki/ (from spelling rules) | Bolivia, masculine |
| urpila | /uɾpila/ (from spelling rules) | Bolivia, feminine |
| torcacita | /toɾkaθita/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /toɾkasita/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
feminine |
A dove is a bird belonging to the family Columbidae, typically smaller than a pigeon. The term pichón is a common way to refer to these birds, but it is also used to mean a fledgling or a young bird of any species.
Which one should you use?
While pichón is used for doves, it also refers to a fledgling or a young bird of any species. tortolita is an affectionate way to say little dove, and totaqui refers specifically to a type of dove in certain regions.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word tortolita is an informal and affectionate way to refer to a dove in many Latin American countries. The diminutive form pichoncito can also be used as an endearing term or to refer to a small or young dove.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bolivia, the masculine term totaqui is used for a type of dove and the feminine form urpila is also used. The feminine term tortolita is common across Latin America.
How does it change in a sentence?
The diminutive form pichoncito is often used to refer to a young or small dove, or as an endearing term.
How do you pronounce it?
/piˈtʃon/
Did you know?
- In certain Spanish idioms, a tórtola can be used to describe a couple that is constantly showing public affection.
- The Spanish word pichón shares a common ancestor with the English word 'pigeon', both tracing back to the Latin 'pipio'.
- Because pichón can mean a young bird, calling a person a pichón can sometimes imply they are 'naive' or 'inexperienced'.
Examples in context
- La paloma blanca es un símbolo de paz.The white dove is a symbol of peace.
- El monumento tiene una estatua de una paloma.The monument has a statue of a dove.
- Encontré un pichón herido en el parque.I found a wounded baby dove in the park.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are walking in a park.
- DanielMira ese pichón en la rama.Look at that dove on the branch.
- MaríaEs muy bonito y pequeño.It is very pretty and small.
- DanielCreo que es un pichón mensajero.I think it is a messenger dove.
- MaríaQuizás esté buscando a su pareja.Maybe it is looking for its mate.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dove” translations and entries pichón, tortolita, torcacita, 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 pichón, tortolita, CC BY-SA 4.0.
