pupa
/ˈpupa/
The Spanish word for pupa is pupa.
In certain contexts, you might encounter other terms: crisálida specifically refers to the pupal stage of an insect's life cycle, while capullo can translate to bud, cocoon or pupa depending on the context.
Meaning: insect (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term for chrysalis is commonly referred to as pupa.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpupa/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, pupa is a common child's word for a 'booboo' or a small injury. If a child falls, they might cry that they have a pupa instead of using the formal word herida.
- The word capullo means 'pupa' or 'cocoon' in biology, but in Spain it is used as a slang insult to call someone a 'jerk' or a 'fool'.
- In Latin, the root pūpa originally meant 'doll' or 'puppet'. Scientists later chose this word for the insect stage because a pupa remains still and motionless like a doll.
Examples in context
- La pupa está en la rama.The pupa is on the branch.
- Encontré una pupa en el jardín.I found a pupa in the garden.
- Esa pupa es de un escarabajo.That pupa is from a beetle.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are looking at a garden insect.
- LucíaMira, Alejandro, encontré una pupa.Look, Alejandro, I found a pupa.
- Alejandro¿Dónde está la pupa, Lucía?Where is the pupa, Lucía?
- LucíaEstá pegada a esta hoja verde.It is stuck to this green leaf.
- AlejandroEs muy pequeña y fascinante.It is very small and fascinating.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pupa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
