mono
standard
In Colombia a monkey is mono in standard Spanish and mico in everyday talk. Mico is widely used in Colombia. It is also called simio.
Meaning: primate (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| mono | standard |
| mico | Colombia, everyday |
| simio | formal, scientific |
Mono is the general word and mico is often used for smaller monkeys. Simio sounds scientific. Colombia has several kinds of monkeys in its forests and national parks.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia mico also appears in sayings, and mono can describe a blond person, so watch the context.
Did you know?
- The cotton-top tamarin, tití cabeciblanco, lives only in northern Colombia.
Examples in context
- Vimos un mono en el árbol.We saw a monkey in the tree.
- El mico se comió la banana.The monkey ate the banana.
- Los monos viven en la selva.Monkeys live in the jungle.
Example conversation
A guide shows tourists around a park near Leticia.
- GuíaMiren, hay un mico en esa rama.Look, there is a monkey on that branch.
- Turista¡Qué bonito! ¿Es peligroso?How lovely! Is it dangerous?
- GuíaNo, pero no le den comida.No, but do not feed it.
