neandertal
/neandeɾtal/from spelling rules
The English word 'neanderthal' is translated into Spanish as neandertal.
The term refers to an extinct species of archaic human that lived in Eurasia during the Pleistocene epoch.
Which one should you use?
While English uses the spelling 'neanderthal', the Spanish spelling typically omits the 'h'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of neandertal is neandertales.
How do you pronounce it?
/neandeɾtal/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word neandertal is borrowed from English, but it is actually based on the German name of the valley where the first fossils were found.
- In Spanish, the word neandertal is treated as a common noun, meaning you can use it to describe someone as a neandertal to imply they are primitive or unevolved.
- In Spanish scientific literature, you may see Homo neanderthalensis used, which retains the 'h' that the common word neandertal drops.
Examples in context
- Los descendientes genéticos de los neandertales se encuentran presentes en algunas poblaciones actualesGenetic descendants of Neanderthals are present in some present-day populations
- Esa persona vive como un cavernícola, todavía no conoce la electricidadThat person lives like a Neanderthal, they still don't know electricity
- El neandertal vivió en Europa hace mucho tiempo.The Neanderthal lived in Europe a long time ago.
- Encontraron restos de un neandertal en la cueva.They found remains of a Neanderthal in the cave.
- Estudias la evolución del neandertal en la universidad.You study the evolution of the Neanderthal at the university.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are visiting a natural history museum.
- MateoMira este cráneo de neandertal.Look at this Neanderthal skull.
- LucíaEs increíble lo parecido que es.It is incredible how similar it is.
- MateoEl neandertal era muy fuerte.The Neanderthal was very strong.
- LucíaSí, tenían una estructura ósea robusta.Yes, they had a robust bone structure.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries neandertal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
