época de celo
/epoka de θelo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, mating season is época de celo.
The phrase is used to describe the time of year during which animals mate. While época de celo specifically refers to the biological state of being in heat, it serves as the standard way to translate the general concept of a mating season in a biological context.
Meaning: time of year during which animals mate (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of época (season or era), de (of) and celo (heat, rut or sexual drive).
Which one should you use?
época de celo is the standard term, though periodo de celo can be used as a synonym meaning period of heat.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term temporada de celo is commonly used to express mating season.
Did you know?
- In a completely different context, celo is the common word for 'sellotape' or 'clear adhesive tape' in Spain. This is a clipping of the brand name 'Sellotape'.
- In a romantic or interpersonal context, the word celos (the plural of celo) means 'jealousy'. This describes the emotional drive of possessiveness, rather than the biological drive of mating.
- In Spanish, the word celo can also mean 'care' or 'diligence' when someone performs a task with great attention and pride.
Examples in context
- ¿Sabes cuándo es la estación de cortejo de los pavos reales?Do you know when the peacocks' courtship season is?
- Sí, la estación de cortejo de los pavos reales generalmente ocurre durante la primavera.Yes, the peacocks' courtship season generally occurs during the spring.
- ¿Ya empezó la época de celo de los ciervos?Has the deer's mating season started yet?
- Sí, los ciervos están en celo desde hace unas semanas, ¡deberías verlos en el bosque!Yes, the deer have been in heat for a few weeks, you should see them in the forest!
- Los lobos están en época de celo.The wolves are in mating season.
- Es la época de celo de los ciervos.It is the deer's mating season.
- Durante la época de celo, hay mucho ruido.During mating season, there is a lot of noise.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are visiting a wildlife park.
- AlejandroMira cómo pelean esos animales.Look at how those animals are fighting.
- SofíaEs normal, estamos en plena época de celo.It's normal, we are in the middle of the mating season.
- AlejandroNo sabía que eran tan agresivos.I didn't know they were so aggressive.
- SofíaSí, Alejandro, así compiten por la pareja.Yes, Alejandro, that is how they compete for a mate.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries celo, de, época, CC BY-SA 4.0.
