frailecillo
/fɾaileˈθiʝo/masculine
The Spanish word for puffin is frailecillo.
frailecillo is used to refer specifically to the Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica).
Meaning: Fratercula arctica (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word frailecillo is a diminutive of fraile, meaning little friar.
How does it change in a sentence?
frailecillo is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɾaileˈθiʝo/
Did you know?
- The name frailecillo reflects the bird's appearance, as its black and white plumage resembles the traditional habit worn by a fraile or friar.
- Spanish uses the diminutive -illo in frailecillo to create a permanent name for the species, rather than to describe an individual bird's size.
- The word 'fraile' shares its linguistic roots with the English word 'friar', tracing back to the same ancient Indo-European origins.
Examples in context
- ¿Puede un frailecillo volar?Can a puffin fly?This sentence is useful for asking if a frailecillo is capable of flight.Tatoeba #10834425 by Luornu, translation #7905443 by Luornu
- ¿Cual es la diferencia entre un frailecillo y un pingüino?What's the difference between a puffin and a penguin?This sentence is useful for asking about the distinction between a frailecillo and a penguin.Tatoeba #10834429 by Luornu, translation #10834428 by Luornu
- El frailecillo es un ave marina característica del Atlántico Norte, conocida por su peculiar apariencia.The puffin is a characteristic seabird of the North Atlantic, known for its peculiar appearance.
- ¿Sabías que los araos tienen un pico triangular muy colorido?Did you know that puffins have a very colorful triangular beak?
- Vi un frailecillo en el libro de biología.I saw a puffin in the biology book.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are looking at a nature photography book in a cafe.
- LucíaMira este frailecillo, es muy simpático.Look at this puffin, it is very cute.
- AlejandroEs un ave muy bonita, Lucía.It is a very beautiful bird, Lucía.
- Lucía¿Sabes dónde vive ese frailecillo?Do you know where that puffin lives?
- AlejandroCreo que vive en el norte de Europa.I think it lives in Northern Europe.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “puffin” translations and entries frailecillo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries frailecillo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
