gorila
/ɡoˈɾila/masculine
The Spanish word for "gorilla" is gorila.
The word gorila refers to the ape. To specify the mountain gorilla, you can use the phrase Gorila de montaña.
Meaning: ape (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term gorila is used in Argentina, Mexico, Spain, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela and Ecuador.
How does it change in a sentence?
While gorila is a masculine noun, it can be used with feminine articles and adjectives to refer specifically to a female gorilla, such as la gorila. The plural form of the word is gorilas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡoˈɾila/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking contexts, gorila is used as slang for a menacing bodyguard or a brutish henchman.
- The spelling of gorila in Spanish uses only one 'l', unlike the English 'gorilla' which uses two.
- The Spanish word gorila follows the same Greek-derived etymological path as the English 'gorilla', both originating from the Ancient Greek word Górillai.
Examples in context
- Koko es una gorila.Koko is a female gorilla.This sentence demonstrates using gorila to refer to a female.Tatoeba #13671046 by Seael, translation #61637 by CK
- El Dr. Patterson se comunicó con un gorila usando la lengua de signos.Dr. Patterson communicated with a gorilla using sign language.This sentence shows an example of using gorila in a sentence regarding communication.Tatoeba #1672442 by teskmon, translation #35208 by CN
- Cuidado con el gorila.Beware of the gorilla.This sentence shows how to use gorila when giving a warning.Tatoeba #3692545 by mervert1, translation #2617249 by Prophete
- En el zoológico, pudimos observar el imponente gorila de cerca.At the zoo, we could observe the imposing gorilla up close.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are watching a nature documentary on television.
- DanielEse gorila es muy impresionante.That gorilla is very impressive.
- ElenaSí, es el más grande de la familia.Yes, he is the largest of the family.
- Daniel¿Viste qué fuerte es el gorila?Did you see how strong the gorilla is?
- ElenaEs increíble, Daniel.It is incredible, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gorilla” translations and entries gorila, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gorila, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
