islas Galápagos
/ˌislas ɡaˈlapaɡos/feminine, plural
The English phrase Galapagos Islands is translated into Spanish as islas Galápagos. Wiktionary also lists Archipiélago de Colón and Archipiélago de la Ecuador.
Meaning: Ecuadorian archipelago (name)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| islas Galápagos | /ˌislas ɡaˈlapaɡos/ | feminine, plural |
| Archipiélago de Colón | /aɾt͡ʃiˌpjelaɡo de koˈlon/ | |
| Archipiélago de la Ecuador | /aɾt͡ʃipjelaɡo de la ekwadoɾ/ (from spelling rules) | |
| Archipiélago de Ecuador | /aɾt͡ʃipjelaɡo de ekwadoɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
The phrase refers to the Ecuadorian archipelago.
Which one should you use?
While islas Galápagos is the standard name, you may encounter other terms such as Archipiélago de Colón, Archipiélago de la Ecuador or Archipiélago de Ecuador.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, the noun islas (islands) typically precedes the proper name Galápagos. Because islas is a feminine plural noun, you must use the feminine plural definite article las when referring to them, as in las islas Galápagos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌislas ɡaˈlapaɡos/
Did you know?
- While Galápagos refers to tortoises, the word originally described a specific type of saddle-backed shell that resembled a Spanish 'galápago' or saddle.
- The word archipiélago is a loanword from Italian, which combined the Ancient Greek words for 'chief' and 'sea'.
Examples in context
- Existen muchas especies de tortugas gigantes en las Islas Galápagos.There are many types of giant tortoises on the Galapagos Islands.This sentence mentions the existence of giant tortoises in the islas Galápagos.Tatoeba #975007 by marcelostockle, translation #12898816 by araneo
- La tortuga gigante El Solitario George, murió en las Islas Galápagos.The giant tortoise Lonesome George has died on the Galapagos Islands.This sentence notes the death of the giant tortoise Lonesome George in the islas Galápagos.Tatoeba #2175468 by hayastan, translation #1647965 by Spamster
- Murió la tortuga gigante de las Islas Galápagos conocida como el Solitario George.The Galapagos Islands giant tortoise known as Lonesome George is dead.This sentence describes the giant tortoise known as Lonesome George from the islas Galápagos.Tatoeba #1648083 by hayastan, translation #1647961 by Spamster
- Quisiera visitar las Islas Galápagos el próximo año.I would like to visit the Galapagos Islands next year.
- Las Islas Encantadas son famosas por su biodiversidad.The Enchanted Islands are famous for their biodiversity.
- ¿Conoces las Galápagos? Son impresionantes.Do you know the Galapagos Islands? They are stunning.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are discussing their dream vacation destinations.
- DanielQuiero visitar las islas Galápagos algún día.I want to visit the Galapagos Islands someday.
- SofíaYo también, es un lugar increíble.Me too, it is an incredible place.
- DanielDicen que las islas Galápagos tienen animales únicos.They say the Galapagos Islands have unique animals.
- SofíaSí, sería un viaje maravilloso, Daniel.Yes, it would be a wonderful trip, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “galapagos islands” translations and entries islas Galápagos, Archipiélago de Colón, 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 Archipiélago de Colón, Colón, Galápagos, archipiélago, colón, de, islas Galápagos, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
