escorpión
/eskoɾˈpjon/masculine
The Spanish word for scorpion is escorpión. Wiktionary also lists alacrán.
Meaning: any of various arachnids of the order Scorpiones (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| escorpión | /eskoɾˈpjon/ | masculine |
| alacrán | /alaˈkɾan/ | masculine |
The term refers to any of the various arachnids belonging to the order Scorpiones.
Which one should you use?
Both escorpión and alacrán are masculine nouns that mean scorpion.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both forms are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/eskoɾˈpjon/
Did you know?
- The word alacrán comes from the Arabic word aqrab, reflecting the deep influence of Moorish culture on the Spanish language.
- The word alacrán is used in the names of various traditional drinks and liqueurs in certain Spanish-speaking countries to suggest a 'kick' or potency.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, particularly in Mexico, the term alacrán is used colloquially to refer to a person who is perceived as sneaky or untrustworthy.
Examples in context
- Ella se topó con un escorpión.She came across a scorpion.This sentence shows how to use the word when describing encountering the creature.Tatoeba #5296990 by pancelot, translation #2875294 by Amastan
- ¿Es verdad que atrapaste un escorpión?Is it true that you caught a scorpion?This sentence uses the word in the context of catching the animal.Tatoeba #1731762 by marcelostockle, translation #1731128 by Amastan
- Gritaría muy fuerte si viera un escorpión en mi habitación.I would scream very loudly if I saw a scorpion in my room.This sentence illustrates using the word when expressing fear of seeing the creature in a room.Tatoeba #735541 by hayastan, translation #739176 by Zifre
- Tomé precauciones para evitar ser picado por un alacrán en el desierto.I took precautions to avoid being stung by a scorpion in the desert.
- Vimos un escorpión negro en el jardín esta mañana.We saw a black scorpion in the garden this morning.
Example conversation
A couple is camping in the desert at night.
- María¡Mira! Hay un escorpión cerca de tu bota.Look! There is a scorpion near your boot.
- Alejandro¡Qué miedo! ¿Es muy peligroso ese escorpión?How scary! Is that scorpion very dangerous?
- MaríaNo te preocupes, Alejandro, yo lo alejo.Don't worry, Alejandro, I will move it away.
- AlejandroGracias, María, prefiero dormir con cuidado.Thanks, María, I prefer to sleep carefully.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scorpion” translations and entries escorpión, alacrán, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alacrán, escorpión, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
