grifo
/ˈɡɾifo/masculine
The English word "griffin" translates to Spanish as grifo or grifón.
Meaning: mythical creature with the body of a lion and head and wings of an eagle (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| grifo | /ˈɡɾifo/ | masculine |
| grifón | /ɡɾiˈfon/ | masculine |
A griffin is a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle.
Which one should you use?
In everyday Spanish, grifo most commonly refers to a water faucet or tap.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡɾifo/
Did you know?
- The common Spanish word for a water faucet, grifo, actually derives from the ornamental carvings of legendary creatures found on old fountain spouts.
- The term grifo can refer to the creature, but grifón is often used specifically when talking about certain breeds of dogs with curly hair.
Examples in context
- La figura del grifo es común en la heráldica y representa fuerza y nobleza.The image of the griffin is common in heraldry and represents strength and nobility.
- El dibujo animado tiene un grifón como personaje centralThe animated show has a griffin as the central character
- feroz como un grifoFierce as a griffin
- un grifo doradoA golden griffin
- El grifo tiene alas de águila.The griffin has eagle wings.
- Dibujé un grifo en mi cuaderno.I drew a griffin in my notebook.
- Ese grifo es parte de la leyenda.That griffin is part of the legend.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a fantasy book in a library.
- Lucía¿Viste el dibujo del grifo en el libro?Did you see the drawing of the griffin in the book?
- AlejandroSí, Lucía, es un grifo muy impresionante.Yes, Lucía, it is a very impressive griffin.
- LucíaMe encanta cómo tiene cuerpo de león.I love how it has the body of a lion.
- AlejandroEs una criatura mitológica increíble.It is an incredible mythical creature.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “griffin” translations and entries grifo, grifón, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries grifo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
