Learning how to say “extinct” in Spanish can be useful when discussing various topics such as animals, plants, languages, cultures, and even professions. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to express this term in Spanish, providing various tips, examples, and regional variations as necessary. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say Extinct in Spanish
When using the term “extinct” in academic or formal settings, it’s important to choose the appropriate word. Here are some ways to express it formally:
1. Extinto / Extinta
“Extinto” is the most common formal term used to refer to something that is extinct. It is used as an adjective to describe nouns of masculine gender, while “extinta” is used for feminine nouns. For example:
El tigre de Tasmania está extinto desde el siglo XX. (The Tasmanian tiger has been extinct since the 20th century.)
La especie del dodo está extinta. (The dodo species is extinct.)
2. Desaparecido / Desaparecida
“Desaparecido” and “desaparecida” are alternative formal terms used to describe something that has disappeared or gone extinct. These terms can also convey the sense of disappearance or being lost. Consider these examples:
El lenguaje pictográfico de los mayas está desaparecido. (The Mayan pictographic language is extinct.)
La lengua algonquina está desaparecida desde hace siglos. (The Algonquian language has been extinct for centuries.)
3. Ya no existe
If you wish to convey a straightforward, formal sense of something no longer existing, you can use the phrase “ya no existe” (it no longer exists). This phrase can apply to extinct species, cultures, or even professional occupations:
El tigre de Java ya no existe en su hábitat natural. (The Javan tiger no longer exists in its natural habitat.)
El oficio de afilador de cuchillos ya no existe como antes. (The occupation of knife sharpener no longer exists as it did before.)
Informal Ways to Say Extinct in Spanish
When expressing the concept of extinction in a more casual or colloquial context, you can utilize different words and phrases. Here are some informal ways to say “extinct” in Spanish:
1. Chau / En extinción
“Chau” is a more relaxed way to express the idea of something being extinct. It is particularly used in Latin America and Spain. Additionally, you can use “en extinción” as a more specific term to describe something on the verge of extinction:
El rinoceronte negro está casi chau. (The black rhino is almost extinct.)
La abeja nativa de mi región está en extinción. (The native bee of my region is in danger of extinction.)
2. Se ha quedado en el olvido
To convey the idea of something being forgotten or fading into oblivion, you can use the expression “se ha quedado en el olvido” (it has been forgotten). This phrase can be applied when referring to languages, traditions, or cultural elements that are no longer practiced:
La tradición de los castillos humanos se ha quedado en el olvido. (The tradition of human towers has been forgotten.)
La danza tribal de los antiguos habitantes de esta región se ha quedado en el olvido. (The tribal dance of the ancient inhabitants of this region has been forgotten.)
Regional Variations
While Spanish is spoken across numerous countries, there aren’t significant regional variations for the term “extinct.” However, it is worth noting that certain Latin American countries may use colloquial expressions specific to their regions. For example:
- In Mexico, people might say “muerto” (dead) as a slang term for something that is extinct.
- In Argentina, the phrase “se fue al tacho” (it went down the drain) can be used to colloquially describe something that has gone extinct.
Conclusion
Now that you have a thorough guide on how to say “extinct” in Spanish, you can confidently express this concept in both formal and informal settings. Remember the formal terms such as “extinto” and “desaparecido,” and the informal options like “chau” and “se ha quedado en el olvido.” Be mindful of regional expressions, if applicable. ¡Buena suerte!
