mariquita
/maɾikita/from spelling rules
The English phrase "ladybug" is translated into Spanish as mariquita.
What does it mean word for word?
mariquita is a diminutive form of María (Mary), historically linked to the religious figure Saint Margaret or the Virgin Mary.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, catarina is a very common way to refer to a ladybug.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of mariquita is mariquitas.
How do you pronounce it?
/maɾikita/
Did you know?
- In some South American regions, you may hear the word vaquita de San Antonio to describe the ladybug, referring to 'Saint Anthony's little cow'.
- In many parts of Spain, calling someone a mariquita can be a highly offensive slang term for a gay man. This is a sharp contrast to the innocent insect mariquita.
- Because of its connection to the Virgin Mary, the appearance of a mariquita is traditionally seen as a sign of good luck or divine protection in some Spanish cultures.
Examples in context
- Había una mariquita sobre la mesa.There was a ladybug on the table.Tatoeba #10459565 by koala, translation #9358514 by MarijnKp
- La mariquita está posada en la hoja.The ladybug is perched on the leaf.
- Vi una chinita muy vistosa en el jardín.I saw a very colorful ladybug in the garden.
- Mira esa pequeña mariquita roja.Look at that small red ladybug.
- Una mariquita aterrizó en mi mano.A ladybug landed on my hand.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are walking in a park.
- ElenaMateo, mira esta pequeña mariquita.Mateo, look at this little ladybug.
- Mateo¡Qué bonita es!How pretty it is!
- ElenaSe ha posado en mi mano.It has landed on my hand.
- MateoNo la toques para no asustarla.Don't touch it so you don't scare it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
