lagarto
/laˈɡaɾto/masculine
The English word lizard is translated into Spanish as lagarto. Wiktionary also lists lagartija and chenca (tailless).
Meaning: reptile (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| lagarto | /laˈɡaɾto/ | masculine |
| lagartija | /laɡaɾˈtixa/ | feminine |
| chenca (tailless) | feminine |
Which one should you use?
lagarto is used for larger lizards, whereas lagartija is the standard term used for small lizards or common garden lizards.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions of Mexico and Central America, the term La Iguana is used informally to refer to certain types of larger lizards.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the masculine form lagarto plural, use lagartos. For the feminine form lagartija, the plural is lagartijas.
How do you pronounce it?
/laˈɡaɾto/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish speaking cultures, a 'lagarto' can be a slang term for a 'womanizer' or a man who 'hunts' for partners.
- In certain Caribbean regions, the word lagarto can refer specifically to an alligator or crocodile, blending the categories of lizard and crocodilian.
- The Latin root 'lacertus', which gave us lagarto, originally meant 'muscular' or 'strong' rather than referring to a reptile.
Examples in context
- Un lución es un lagarto sin patas, no una serpiente.A slow-worm is a limbless lizard, not a snake.This sentence is useful for distinguishing a limbless lizard from a snake using lagarto.Tatoeba #1929676 by wallebot, translation #1929683 by wallebot
- Si a una lagartija le cortas la cola, le crece de nuevo.If you cut the tail off of a lizard, it will grow back.This sentence is useful for describing the tail-regrowth of a small lizard using lagartija.Tatoeba #845481 by Shishir, translation #851130 by papabear
- El lagarto basilisco es capaz de correr sobre la superficie del agua sin hundirse.The basilisk lizard is able to run on the surface of the water without sinking.This sentence is useful for describing the basilisk lizard using lagarto.Tatoeba #7842490 by Seael, translation #11607540 by abburns
- El biólogo estudió la lagartija en su hábitat natural.The biologist studied the lizard in its natural habitat.
- El lagarto verde trepó por el árbol rápidamente.The green lizard climbed the tree quickly.
- En Nicaragua, los niños juegan con los gallitos que encuentran en el jardín.In Nicaragua, children play with the small lizards they find in the garden.
- Ayer vi un perenquén corriendo por el suelo en Venezuela.Yesterday, I saw a lizard running on the ground in Venezuela.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are walking in a sunny park.
- María¡Mira, Alejandro! Hay un lagarto en esa rama.Look, Alejandro! There is a lizard on that branch.
- AlejandroEs verdad, es un lagarto muy bonito.It's true, it is a very pretty lizard.
- MaríaNo te acerques, no queremos asustarlo.Don't get close, we don't want to scare it.
- AlejandroTienes razón, mejor lo observamos de lejos.You're right, it's better if we watch it from afar.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lizard” translations and entries lagarto, lagartija, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lagartija, lagarto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
