Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| conejo | /koˈnexo/ | masculine |
| conejil | /konexil/ (from spelling rules) | adjective |
| conejuno | /konexuno/ (from spelling rules) | adjective |
| ñeco | /ˈɲeko/ | masculine |
The primary way to refer to the mammal is with the masculine noun conejo. In specific contexts, you may encounter the term conejillo de Indias, which is used in some Latin American countries, particularly Mexico, to refer specifically to a guinea pig.
Which one should you use?
The masculine noun conejo is the most common and widely accepted term. If you wish to refer to a little or cute rabbit, you can use the diminutive forms conejito (masculine) or conejita (feminine). The adjectives conejil and conejuno are related forms used to describe things pertaining to rabbits.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American countries like Mexico, the phrase conejillo de Indias is specifically used for a guinea pig.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the noun plural, use conejos. For a female rabbit, you can use the feminine form conejita, which is also frequently used to describe a small or cute rabbit.
How do you pronounce it?
/koˈnexo/
Did you know?
- The word conejo is the basis for the slang term conejear, which in some dialects means to flirt or pursue someone romantically.
- In Spanish, the phrase ser un conejo can be used to describe someone who is very timid or cowardly.
- The word conejo is inherited from the Latin word cuniculus, which originally referred to a burrow or a small tunnel.
Examples in context
- ¡Mira, hay un conejo!Look, there's a rabbit!This sentence is useful for pointing out the presence of a conejo.Tatoeba #1672066 by marcelostockle, translation #1671948 by Spamster
- Tengo un conejo como mascota.I keep a rabbit as a pet.This sentence is useful for stating that you own a conejo as a pet.Tatoeba #1427628 by hayastan, translation #1346306 by Spamster
- El conejo tiene orejas largas.A rabbit has long ears.This sentence is useful for describing physical traits of a conejo.Tatoeba #952960 by hayastan, translation #65634 by Lumi
- Me gustaría tener un conejo como mascota.I would like to have a rabbit as a pet.
- En el campo, es común ver conejos correteando por ahí.In the countryside, it is common to see rabbits running around.
- En el bosque encontré una liebre preciosa.I found a beautiful rabbit in the forest.
- Mi abuelo solía cazar liebres para preparar guisos.My grandfather used to hunt rabbits to make stews.
- ¡Mira ese conejito tan lindo en el jardín!Look at that cute little rabbit in the garden!
- Mi hermana siempre ha tenido conejitos como mascotas.My sister has always had little rabbits as pets.
- Mis primos tienen un conejillo de Indias como mascota, pero no un conejo.My cousins have a guinea pig as a pet, not a rabbit.
- 46 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are walking in a park.
- María¡Mira, Javier, un conejo!Look, Javier, a rabbit!
- JavierEs un conejo muy bonito.It is a very pretty rabbit.
- María¿Crees que sea un conejo salvaje?Do you think it is a wild rabbit?
- JavierSí, parece un conejo salvaje.Yes, it looks like a wild rabbit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rabbit” translations and entries conejo, ñeco, 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 conejo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
