abeja
/aˈbexa/feminine
The Spanish word for honey bee is abeja. Wiktionary also lists abeja melífera.
Meaning: honey bee (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| abeja | /aˈbexa/ | feminine |
| abeja melífera | /aˌbexa meˈlifeɾa/ | feminine |
Which one should you use?
abeja is the general word for bee, whereas abeja melífera is the specific biological term for a honey-producing bee.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, abeja is the common term for a honey bee.
How does it change in a sentence?
abeja is a feminine noun. Because abeja is a feminine noun, the definite article used is las to get las abejas. The plural form of abeja is abejas.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈbexa/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, calling someone una abeja is a common way to describe a person who is exceptionally hardworking and industrious.
- The word abeja is a linguistic descendant of the Latin diminutive apicula, which means 'little bee'.
- In some Spanish dialects, the verb abejear captures the physical sensation of a bee, meaning to flit or buzz around aimlessly.
Examples in context
- Esa abeja está en la flor.That honey bee is on the flower.
- Vi una abeja cerca de la ventana.I saw a honey bee near the window.
- La abeja vuela sobre el jardín.The honey bee flies over the garden.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are walking in a garden.
- MateoSofía, hay una abeja aquí.Sofía, there is a honey bee here.
- SofíaEs muy bonita, Mateo.It is very pretty, Mateo.
- MateoTen cuidado con la abeja.Be careful with the honey bee.
- SofíaSí, no me acercaré.Yes, I will not get close.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “honey bee” translations and entries abeja, abeja melífera, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abeja, CC BY-SA 4.0.
