mapache
/maˈpat͡ʃe/
The Spanish word for racoon is mapache.
mapache refers to a medium-sized nocturnal mammal characterized by a masked face and a ringed tail.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of mapache is mapaches.
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈpatʃe/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, mapache is used as a slang term for a person who is a thief or a cheat, reflecting the word's original meaning.
- The name behaves like a personified character in many Latin American folk stories, often acting as the 'clever thief' of the forest due to its etymological link to 'seizing' food.
- The word mapache is not of Spanish origin, but was borrowed from the Nahuatl language of the Aztec Empire.
Examples in context
- ¿Qué está haciendo el mapache en la cocina?What is the racoon doing in the kitchen?Tatoeba #2269907 by Shishir, translation #1515965 by marco87
- Un mapache se estaba robando el pescado.A racoon was stealing the fish.Tatoeba #12848672 by mexicanhere, translation #11303368 by Amastan
- En Norteamérica, el mapache es conocido por ser un animal nocturno muy astuto.In North America, the raccoon is known for being a very cunning nocturnal animal.
- Vi un mapache en el jardín anoche.I saw a raccoon in the garden last night.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are walking in a park at night.
- Daniel¿Viste eso cerca de los árboles?Did you see that near the trees?
- ElenaSí, parece un mapache.Yes, it looks like a raccoon.
- DanielEs muy pequeño y rápido.It is very small and fast.
- ElenaNo lo molestes, Daniel.Don't bother it, Daniel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mapache, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mapache, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
