mapaches
/mapat͡ʃes/from spelling rules
The English word "raccoons" is translated into Spanish as mapaches.
mapaches refers to medium-sized nocturnal mammals characterized by their masked faces and ringed tails.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is mapache, while the plural form is mapaches.
How do you pronounce it?
/mapatʃes/
Did you know?
- The word mapache comes from the Nahuatl language, meaning 'eating ants'. It was adopted into Spanish after the Spanish conquest of Mexico.
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, the word mapache is used as a slang term for someone with heavy dark circles under their eyes.
- Despite the similarity in appearance, the South American coatí is often mistaken for a mapache by learners, but the two are distinct species with different names in Spanish.
Examples in context
- Odio los mapaches.I hate raccoons.This sentence shows how to express a dislike for mapaches.Tatoeba #1345009 by marcelostockle, translation #1345008 by CM
- Doraemon no puede ser un mapache porque, que yo sepa, los mapaches no son azules.Doraemon can't be a raccoon because, to my knowledge, raccoons aren't blue.This sentence uses mapaches to explain why a certain character cannot be a raccoon.Tatoeba #10189221 by Seael, translation #11254106 by Luornu
- El zoológico tiene una nueva área para los mapaches.The zoo has a new area for the raccoons.
- ¡Mira ese mapachito tan lindo trepando al árbol!Look at that cute little raccoon climbing the tree!
- Hay muchos mapaches en el bosque.There are many raccoons in the forest.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are walking in a park at night.
- Javier¿Viste esos mapaches cerca del río?Did you see those raccoons near the river?
- ElenaSí, son muy rápidos.Yes, they are very fast.
- JavierTienen las caras muy oscuras.They have very dark faces.
- ElenaEs su característica más famosa.It is their most famous characteristic.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
