puma
/ˈpuma/
The English phrase 'mountain lion' is translated into Spanish as puma.
In Spanish, the term for the large wild cat native to the Americas is most commonly referred to as puma.
Which one should you use?
While puma is the most common name for the animal, león de montaña serves as a more descriptive, literal translation of the English phrase and is often found in specific literature or contexts influenced by English.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpuma/
Did you know?
- In some Andean cultures, the puma represents the earthly realm in a spiritual trilogy that includes the condor for the sky and the snake for the underworld.
- The Spanish word puma was borrowed directly from Quechua, the language of the Inca Empire.
- In the context of Latin American universities, Pumas is a common mascot name, most notably for the UNAM in Mexico, symbolizing strength and intelligence.
Examples in context
- El león de montaña es un felino que habita en diversas regiones de América.The mountain lion is a feline that inhabits various regions of America.
- El puma es un cazador ágil y solitario.The mountain lion is an agile and solitary hunter.
- Ayer vi un león de montaña mientras caminaba por el bosque.Yesterday, I saw a mountain lion while walking through the forest.
- ¡Mira ese puma allí detrás de los árboles!Look at that mountain lion behind the trees!
- Vi un puma en el bosque.I saw a mountain lion in the forest.
- El puma es un animal muy fuerte.The mountain lion is a very strong animal.
- Cuidado con el puma en la montaña.Watch out for the mountain lion on the mountain.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are hiking in the mountains.
- JavierSofía, mira aquel puma allí.Sofía, look at that mountain lion over there.
- Sofía¡Dios mío, es enorme!My God, it is huge!
- JavierNo te acerques al puma.Do not get close to the mountain lion.
- SofíaTienes razón, vamos a regresar.You are right, let's go back.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry puma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries puma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
