gorila
everyday, Mexico
Gorilla is gorila in Mexican Spanish. It has one l, unlike the English spelling.
In casual Mexican talk gorila can also describe a bodyguard or a bouncer, as in el gorila de la discoteca.
Meaning: large ape (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Gorila is masculine in form but refers to both sexes, and you say el gorila for both. To be specific, add macho or hembra.
How do you pronounce it?
Say go-REE-la. The stress falls on ri.
Did you know?
- In Spanish gorila also means a bodyguard, a use that Mexicans understand easily.
Examples in context
- El gorila vive en la selva africana.The gorilla lives in the African jungle.
- Vimos un gorila en el zoológico.We saw a gorilla at the zoo.
- El gorila de la puerta no me dejó pasar.The bouncer at the door did not let me in.
Example conversation
Teacher Silvia shows her class a documentary in Mexico City.
- SilviaHoy vamos a ver un video sobre el gorila.Today we will watch a video about the gorilla.
- HugoMaestra, ¿los gorilas son muy fuertes?Teacher, are gorillas very strong?
- SilviaSí, pero casi siempre son tranquilos.Yes, but they are almost always calm.
