patito de goma
/paˌtito de ˈɡoma/masculine
The English phrase rubber duck is translated into Spanish as patito de goma. Wiktionary also lists patito de hule.
Meaning: toy shaped like a duck (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| patito de goma | /paˌtito de ˈɡoma/ | masculine |
| patito de hule | /patito de ule/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The term is used to describe a toy shaped like a duck.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase patito de goma is a literal construction meaning 'little duck of rubber'.
Which one should you use?
Patito de goma and patito de hule are interchangeable.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Patito de hule is a common way to refer to a rubber duck in Mexico and parts of Latin America.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, change the noun patito to patitos and the article to los.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˌtito de ˈɡoma/
Did you know?
- While most Spanish speakers use goma for rubber, the term hule is a linguistic bridge to the Americas, as it is borrowed directly from the Classical Nahuatl word ōlli.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word goma can also refer to an eraser, meaning a 'rubber duck' might sound like an 'eraser duck' to a literalist.
- The -ito ending in patito is a diminutive suffix. Beyond just size, it is often used in Spanish to express affection or tenderness toward the object.
Examples in context
- ¿Dónde está el patito de hule?Where is the rubber duck?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of the patito de hule.Tatoeba #1628232 by marcelostockle, translation #1627299 by Spamster
- El patito de hule de mi hijo es amarillo.My son's rubber duck is yellow.This sentence is useful for describing the color of a child's patito de hule.Tatoeba #1628219 by marcelostockle, translation #1627317 by Spamster
- Me gusta regalar un pato de goma en los intercambios de regalos navideños.I enjoy giving a rubber duck in Christmas gift exchanges.
- Ayer encontré mi viejo pato de hule en el baño y me dio nostalgia.Yesterday I found my old rubber duck in the bathroom, and it made me nostalgic.
- El patito de goma flota en la bañera.The rubber duck floats in the bathtub.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are in the bathroom getting a toddler ready for a bath.
- ElenaAlejandro, ¿trajiste el patito de goma?Alejandro, did you bring the rubber duck?
- AlejandroSí, lo tengo aquí en la mano.Yes, I have it right here in my hand.
- ElenaPerfecto, a él le encanta jugar con él.Perfect, he loves playing with it.
- AlejandroEntonces, vamos a empezar el baño.Then, let's start the bath.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rubber duck” translations and entries patito de goma, 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 de, goma, hule, patito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
