libélula
/liˈbelula/feminine
The English word dragonfly is libélula in Spanish. Wiktionary also lists aguacil and pipilacha.
Meaning: insect of the infraorder Anisoptera (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| libélula | /liˈbelula/ | feminine |
| aguacil | /aɡwaˈθil/ /aɡwaˈsil/ |
Argentina, Uruguay, masculine |
| pipilacha | /pipilat͡ʃa/ (from spelling rules) | Nicaragua, feminine |
The term refers to insects of the infraorder Anisoptera.
Which one should you use?
While libélula is the standard term, you may encounter anisóptero in scientific contexts or caballito del diablo in informal speech.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, the masculine noun aguacil is used. In Nicaragua, the feminine noun pipilacha is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
libélula is a feminine noun and requires the feminine article la. To form the plural, use libélulas.
How do you pronounce it?
/liˈbelula/
Did you know?
- The word libélula shares its roots with the English word 'level' and the Latin word for a carpenter's tool. This is because the insect's ability to hover steady in the air resembles a leveling tool.
- The word libélula is a rare example of a scientific New Latin term that became the primary common word in the Spanish language.
Examples in context
- ¿Qué simboliza la libélula?What does the dragonfly symbolise?This sentence is useful for asking about the symbolism of the libélula.Tatoeba #10084911 by Seael, translation #12949303 by araneo
- Hay una libélula en el techo.There is a dragonfly on the ceiling.This sentence is useful for stating the location of a libélula.Tatoeba #1603568 by teskmon, translation #278780 by CK
- En el parque, pude observar una libélula posada en una flor.In the park, I was able to observe a dragonfly perched on a flower.
- La libélula tiene alas azules.The dragonfly has blue wings.
Example conversation
A couple is walking through a park near a pond.
- MateoMira esa libélula sobre la flor, Elena.Look at that dragonfly on the flower, Elena.
- ElenaEs muy hermosa, Mateo.It is very beautiful, Mateo.
- MateoVuela muy rápido.It flies very fast.
- ElenaSí, es impresionante.Yes, it is impressive.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dragonfly” translations and entries libélula, aguacil, pipilacha, 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 aguacil, libélula, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
