ocelote
/oθeˈlote/masculine
The English word ocelot is translated into Spanish as ocelote. If unsure, use ocelote. Wiktionary also lists cunaguaro and gato onza.
Meaning: feline carnivore (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ocelote | /oθeˈlote/ /oseˈlote/ |
masculine |
| cunaguaro | /kunaˈɡwaɾo/ | masculine |
| gato onza | /ɡato onθa/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /ɡato onsa/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
| manigordo | /maniɡoɾdo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| tigrecillo | /tiɡɾeˈθiʝo/ | masculine |
| tigrillo | /tiˈɡɾiʝo/ | masculine |
All provided terms refer to the feline carnivore known as the ocelot.
What does it mean word for word?
The term tigrillo is a diminutive form that literally means 'little tiger'.
Which one should you use?
While ocelote is the standard biological and general Spanish term, tigrillo is a very common colloquial alternative used across many Spanish-speaking regions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Venezuela and parts of the Caribbean, the term cunaguaro is used specifically to refer to the ocelot. In parts of South America, such as Argentina and Uruguay, the term gato de monte is used to describe the ocelot. The informal term tigrillo is particularly common in Mexico and Central America.
How does it change in a sentence?
All the provided forms are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/oθeˈlote/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- El único que realmente necesita una piel de ocelote es el ocelote.The only one who really needs ocelot fur is the ocelot.This sentence is useful for discussing the fur of an ocelote.Tatoeba #3029790 by marcelostockle, translation #13380128 by rul
- El ocelote es un felino que habita las regiones tropicales de América.The ocelot is a feline that inhabits tropical regions of the Americas.
- Me encontré con un tigrillo en la selva tropical de México.I came across an ocelot in the tropical jungle of Mexico.
- El ocelote tiene manchas muy hermosas.The ocelot has very beautiful spots.
- Vimos un ocelote cerca del río.We saw an ocelot near the river.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a nature documentary on TV.
- Sofía¿Qué animal es ese, Mateo?What animal is that, Mateo?
- MateoEs un ocelote en la selva.It is an ocelot in the jungle.
- SofíaEs un felino muy pequeño.It is a very small feline.
- MateoSí, pero es muy ágil.Yes, but it is very agile.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ocelot” translations and entries ocelote, cunaguaro, tigrecillo, tigrillo, 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 gato, ocelote, onza, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
