leopardo
/leoˈpaɾdo/masculine
The Spanish word for leopard is leopardo.
The word refers to a large wild cat with a spotted coat, specifically the species Panthera pardus.
Meaning: a large wild cat with a spotted coat, Panthera pardus (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
While the species name is often used in the masculine leopardo, you can use the feminine form leoparda to specify a female leopard.
How do you pronounce it?
/leoˈpaɾdo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish speaking regions, people use leopardo to refer to jaguars, even though the jaguar is a distinct species called jaguar.
- The Spanish word leopardo contains a hidden reference to a lion, as its components trace back to the Greek word for 'lion' and 'panther'.
- The Spanish language uses leopardo in the context of leopardo negro to describe a melanistic leopard, which English speakers often simply call a 'black panther'.
Examples in context
- Tom es tan rápido como un leopardo.Tom is as fast as a leopard.Tatoeba #864121 by manufrutos, translation #680260 by Source_VOA
- Todavía no me creo que tuvieran un leopardo blanco en ese zoo, creía que estaban en peligro de extinción.I still can't believe they had a snow leopard in that zoo. I thought they were an endangered species.Tatoeba #1628606 by Shishir, translation #1803809 by Shishir
- En la jungla salvaje, una madre leopardo acaricia a su cría así como Hagar hizo a Ismael, o la reina de Francia al delfín.In the wild wilderness, a leopard mother caresses her cub, as Hagar did Ishmael. Or a queen of France the dauphin.Tatoeba #4446841 by mervert1, translation #1805668 by Scott
- En África, el leopardo es conocido por su elegancia y destreza.In Africa, the leopard is known for its elegance and dexterity.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are watching a nature documentary on TV.
- DanielEse leopardo es impresionante.That leopard is impressive.
- MaríaSí, su piel tiene manchas muy bonitas.Yes, its skin has very beautiful spots.
- Daniel¿Crees que el leopardo es peligroso?Do you think the leopard is dangerous?
- MaríaEs un animal salvaje, Daniel.It is a wild animal, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “leopard” translations and entries leopardo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries leopardo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
