Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| loro | /ˈloɾo/ | masculine |
| papagayo | /papaˈɡaʝo/ | masculine |
| cotorra | /koˈtora/ | feminine |
The terms are used to refer to various species of birds within the parrot family. Additionally, several idiomatic expressions use these words to describe someone who repeats information mechanically without understanding it, such as repetir como loro (to repeat like a parrot), hablar como un papagayo or hablar por boca de ganso.
Which one should you use?
While loro is the general term for any parrot, the other forms are more specific. Papagayo is often used to refer to larger, more colorful species like macaws. In contrast, cotorra specifically refers to smaller, often more slender-tailed species such as parakeets.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, cotorra is a common term often used to describe small, talkative parrots.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word loro and papagayo are masculine nouns, while cotorra is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈloɾo/
Did you know?
- The word loro does not come from Latin or Greek, but from the Taíno language of the Caribbean.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the loro is a symbol of gossip or chatterboxes, often appearing in folklore as a witness who reveals secrets.
- Even though loro is the most common term, if you use the word papagayo in a casual conversation about pets, people might think you are being overly formal or poetic.
Examples in context
- El loro está muerto.The parrot is dead.This sentence is useful for describing the state of a loro.Tatoeba #1125890 by cueyayotl, translation #1125399 by Scott
- Ayer se me murió el loro.My parrot died yesterday.This sentence is useful for describing the death of a loro.Tatoeba #11872285 by Seael, translation #1344885 by CK
- ¡Mi loro puede citar a Shakespeare!My parrot can quote Shakespeare!This sentence is useful for describing a talent of a loro.Tatoeba #574403 by Shishir, translation #573854 by shekitten
- En el zoológico, los loros de todas las especies son una atracción muy popular.At the zoo, parrots of all species are a very popular attraction.
- Las cotorras verdes son muy comunes en Buenos Aires y su graznido es inconfundible.The green parrots are very common in Buenos Aires, and their squawking is unmistakable.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are visiting a pet store.
- MaríaMira ese loro verde, es muy bonito.Look at that green parrot, it's very pretty.
- AlejandroSí, pero creo que hace mucho ruido.Yes, but I think it makes a lot of noise.
- MaríaMe gustaría comprar un loro para mi casa.I would like to buy a parrot for my house.
- AlejandroPrimero tenemos que preguntar el precio.First we have to ask the price.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “parrot” translations and entries loro, papagayo, cotorra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cotorra, loro, papagayo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
