la rana
/la ɾana/from spelling rules
la rana is the Spanish phrase for "the frog".
This phrase refers to a small, jumping amphibian with moist skin.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to multiple frogs, use the plural form las ranas. If you wish to say "a frog" instead of "the frog", replace the definite article la with the indefinite article una rana.
How do you pronounce it?
/la ɾana/
Did you know?
- The Latin root 'rāna' used for la rana is also the origin of the English word 'ranula', which is a medical term for a small cyst under the tongue.
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, the phrase está como una rana is used to describe someone who is very energetic or cannot sit still.
- While la rana is the biological term, the phrase el sapo (the toad) is often used colloquially in some countries to describe an unpleasant or untrustworthy person.
Examples in context
- La rana croa en la noche.The frog croaks at night.
- Las ranitas saltan en el estanque.The little frogs jump in the pond.
- En mi pueblo le dicen "cocodrilos" a las ranas.In my town, they call frogs "cocodrilos".
- La rana es verde.The frog is green.
- He visto la rana en el estanque.I saw the frog in the pond.
- La rana salta sobre la hoja.The frog jumps on the leaf.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are walking near a lake.
- JavierMira, Lucía, hay una rana aquí.Look, Lucía, there is a frog here.
- Lucía¡Qué linda es la rana!What a cute frog!
- JavierCuidado, no toques la rana.Be careful, don't touch the frog.
- LucíaEstá bien, Javier, no lo haré.It's okay, Javier, I won't.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, rana, CC BY-SA 4.0.
