Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| trasnochador | /tɾasnot͡ʃaˈdoɾ/ | masculine |
| ave nocturna | /ˌabe noɡˈtuɾna/ | feminine |
| noctámbulo | /noɡˈtambulo/ | masculine |
| nocheriego | /not͡ʃeɾjeɡo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| nocherniego | /not͡ʃeɾnjeɡo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| nochero | /noˈt͡ʃeɾo/ | masculine |
These terms describe someone who is awake during the night. Depending on the context, you might be describing a person who simply stayed up late one night, someone who is biologically active at night or using a metaphorical description of a night bird.
What does it mean word for word?
Therefore, it literally means one who stays up late into the night.
Which one should you use?
While trasnochador often implies someone who has a habit of late nights or someone who stayed up late specifically one night, noctámbulo is a more formal or biological term for a nocturnal person. The phrase ave nocturna is a literal translation of 'nocturnal bird' used metaphorically to mean a night owl.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun trasnochador changes to the feminine trasnochadora when referring to a female night owl.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾasnotʃaˈdoɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spain, the acronym AVE refers to the high-speed train service. While it is pronounced the same as the word for 'bird', the train's name stands for 'Alta Velocidad Española'.
- The term noctámbulo shares a root with the English word 'ambulate', literally describing someone who 'walks' through the night.
- A Spanish speaker might use the term nocheriego to imply someone who is out specifically to party or enjoy the nightlife.
Examples in context
- Es un ave nocturna.She's a night owl.This sentence is useful for describing a female as an ave nocturna.Tatoeba #2383004 by diegohn, translation #1862555 by Spamster
- Soy un ave nocturna.I'm a night owl.This sentence is useful for describing oneself as an ave nocturna.Tatoeba #5391764 by albrusgher, translation #321972 by CK
- Tom es un ave nocturna.Tom is a night owl.This sentence is useful for describing Tom as an ave nocturna.Tatoeba #5391775 by albrusgher, translation #4494972 by CK
- Juan es un noctámbulo empedernido. Siempre trabaja mejor durante la noche.Juan is a dedicated night owl. He always works better at night.
- María es una persona de la noche. Disfruta de la tranquilidad y la inspiración que encuentra mientras pasea por las calles a altas horas.María is a night owl. She enjoys the tranquility and inspiration she finds while strolling through the streets late at night.
- Mis amigos son grandes trasnochadores. Siempre quieren salir a divertirse hasta altas horas.My friends are big night owls. They always want to go out and have fun until the early morning.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are talking about their sleep schedules.
- JavierSiempre me acuesto muy tarde, soy un trasnochador.I always go to bed very late, I'm a night owl.
- ElenaYo no, prefiero levantarme temprano.I don't, I prefer to get up early.
- JavierEntonces tú no eres un trasnochador como yo.So you aren't a night owl like me.
- ElenaExacto, Elena prefiere el sol de la mañana.Exactly, Elena prefers the morning sun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “night owl” translations and entries trasnochador, ave nocturna, noctámbulo, nocheriego, nocherniego, nochero, 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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
