alce
/ˈalθe/masculine
In Spanish, the English phrase moose is translated as alce. If unsure, use alce. Wiktionary also lists ante and anta.
Meaning: largest member of the deer family (Alces alces) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| alce | /ˈalθe/ /ˈalse/ |
masculine |
| ante | /ˈante/ | masculine |
| anta | /ˈanta/ | feminine |
| elque | /elke/ (from spelling rules) | US, masculine |
The term is used to refer to the largest member of the deer family, Alces alces.
Which one should you use?
While alce is the most common term for a moose, it is also frequently used in many Spanish-speaking regions to refer to an elk. In the United States, the specific term elque is used to refer to a moose.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form is alce and its plural is alces. The masculine singular form ante and the feminine singular form anta are also available.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈalθe/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, the word ante used for a moose can be traced back to Andalusian Arabic.
- The word ante is a homonym in Spanish, meaning both 'moose' and the preposition 'before'.
Examples in context
- La población de alces en Canadá ha crecido significativamente en los últimos años.The moose population in Canada has significantly increased in recent years.
- El alce americano es el animal más grande de la familia de los cérvidos.The American moose is the largest animal in the deer family.
- El alce es un animal muy grande.The moose is a very large animal.
- Vi un alce en el bosque.I saw a moose in the forest.
- Ese alce tiene astas impresionantes.That moose has impressive antlers.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are looking at a nature documentary.
- AlejandroMira, ese alce es enorme.Look, that moose is huge.
- SofíaEs verdad, el alce es imponente.It's true, the moose is imposing.
- Alejandro¿Crees que sea peligroso?Do you think it is dangerous?
- SofíaSí, es un animal salvaje.Yes, it is a wild animal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “moose” translations and entries alce, ante, anta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alce, anta, ante, CC BY-SA 4.0.
