Quetzalcóatl
/ketθalˈkoatl/
Quetzalcóatl is the Spanish name for the Aztec deity Quetzalcoatl.
Meaning: Aztec deity (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The name is a compound of the Nahuatl words quetzalli (precious green feather) and coatl (serpent), translating literally to Feathered Serpent.
How do you pronounce it?
/ketθalˈkoatl/
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers often use the term quetzalcoatlismo to describe a cultural blend of indigenous beliefs and Catholic traditions in Mexico.
- In Mexican folklore, the feathered serpent is often conflated with the wind god Ehécatl, who is said to sweep the path for the rain gods.
- While the name is now spelled Quetzalcóatl in Spanish, the original Nahuatl language used a completely different writing system of pictographs to represent the deity.
Examples in context
- Leí un libro sobre Quetzalcóatl.I read a book about Quetzalcóatl.
- Quetzalcóatl es una deidad muy importante.Quetzalcóatl is a very important deity.
- El templo está dedicado a Quetzalcóatl.The temple is dedicated to Quetzalcóatl.
Example conversation
María and Javier are visiting a museum exhibition.
- María¿Conoces la historia de Quetzalcóatl?Do you know the story of Quetzalcóatl?
- JavierSí, es fascinante su leyenda.Yes, his legend is fascinating.
- MaríaMira esta estatua de Quetzalcóatl.Look at this statue of Quetzalcóatl.
- JavierEs impresionante, María.It is impressive, María.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “quetzalcoatl” translations and entries Quetzalcóatl, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
