la gallinita roja
/la ɡaʝinita ɾoxa/from spelling rules
The phrase "little red hen" in Spanish is la gallinita roja.
This phrase refers to the main character of a popular children's fable about hard work and cooperation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the definite article la (the), the diminutive form of hen gallinita (little hen) and the adjective roja (red).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain parts of Mexico, Gallina Coloradita may be used to describe the Little Red Hen.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word gallinita is the diminutive form of gallina (hen), created by adding the suffix -ita to express smallness or endearment. The adjective roja follows the noun gallinita and agrees with it in both gender (feminine) and number (singular).
How do you pronounce it?
/la ɡaʝinita ɾoxa/
Did you know?
- The Spanish national football team is known as La Roja, a nickname created by manager Luis Aragonés to give the team a distinct identity similar to Brazil's 'canarinha'.
- While gallina is the word for 'hen', calling someone a gallina in Spanish is a common way to call them a 'coward'.
- While roja means 'red', some regions in Mexico use Coloradita, which stems from a word meaning 'ruddy' or 'reddish'.
Examples in context
- La gallinita roja escarbaba en busca de alimento.The Little Red Hen was scratching around for food.
- La pollita roja no quería compartir el maíz.The Little Red Hen didn't want to share the corn.
- La pollita colorada estaba muy ocupada preparando el pan.The Little Red Hen was very busy preparing the bread.
- A los niños les encanta la gallinita roja.Children love the little red hen.
- Mañana leeremos el cuento de la gallinita roja.Tomorrow we will read the story of the little red hen.
- La gallinita roja trabaja muy duro en el libro.The little red hen works very hard in the book.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are looking at a children's book together.
- MateoMira este libro de la gallinita roja.Look at this book about the little red hen.
- SofíaMe gusta mucho la gallinita roja.I like the little red hen a lot.
- MateoElla hace todo el trabajo sola.She does all the work alone.
- SofíaPor eso ella se come el pan.That is why she eats the bread.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gallinita, la, roja, CC BY-SA 4.0.
