mariquita
/maɾikita/from spelling rules
The English phrase "love bug" is translated into Spanish as mariquita.
mariquita refers to a small, colorful beetle, commonly known in English as a ladybug.
How do you pronounce it?
/maɾikita/
Did you know?
- Be careful with the root word marica, as in many Spanish-speaking countries it has evolved into a common vulgar slang term for men.
- While mariquita is common, some regions use the term catarina, which refers to Saint Catherine.
- In some cultures, seeing a mariquita land on you is believed to be a sign of good luck or a signal that a wish will come true.
Examples in context
- Eres mi amorcito, y no puedo imaginar mi vida sin ti.You are my love bug, and I can't imagine my life without you.
- ¡Hola, cariñito! ¿Cómo estás hoy?Hi, love bug! How are you today?
- ¿Quieres salir esta noche, amorcito?Do you want to go out tonight, love bug?
- Mira esa pequeña mariquita roja.Look at that small red ladybug.
- Hay una mariquita sobre la hoja.There is a ladybug on the leaf.
- Me encanta ver una mariquita en el jardín.I love seeing a ladybug in the garden.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are walking in a park.
- Alejandro¡Elena, mira esa mariquita!Elena, look at that ladybug!
- ElenaEs muy bonita y pequeña.It is very pretty and small.
- AlejandroTiene muchos puntos negros.It has many black spots.
- Elena¡Qué suerte que la encontramos!How lucky that we found it!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
