mutaforma
/mutafoɾma/from spelling rulesfeminine, masculine
The English word shapeshifter is translated into Spanish as mutaforma. Wiktionary also lists cambiaforma.
Meaning: creature capable of changing its appearance (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mutaforma | /mutafoɾma/ (from spelling rules) | feminine, masculine |
| cambiaforma | /kambjafoɾma/ (from spelling rules) | feminine, masculine |
Both mutaforma and cambiaforma are used to describe a creature capable of changing its appearance.
What does it mean word for word?
The word cambiaforma is a compound formed from cambia-, which comes from the verb cambiar (to change) and -forma (form or shape).
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms mutaforma and cambiaforma are both listed as masculine and feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/mutafoɾma/
Did you know?
- In Mexican and Central American traditions, the spiritual counterpart of a person is a nahual, a creature that can transform into an animal. This is not just a mythical monster, but a profound link between a human and their animal spirit.
- The word cambiaforma is a calque, meaning it was specifically constructed to mirror the English word 'shapeshifter'.
- While mutaforma sounds scientific, the more common way to describe a shapeshifter in Spanish folklore is cambiapieles, literally a 'skin-changer'.
Examples in context
- El personaje principal en la película es un cambiante que puede adoptar cualquier forma.The main character in the movie is a shapeshifter who can assume any form.
- El tipo del bar dijo que el ladrón era un cambiaformas que logró desaparecer.The guy at the bar said that the thief was a shapeshifter who managed to disappear.
- En la historia de la película, los cambiadores de forma, o cambiomorfos, desempeñan un papel fundamental.In the movie's story, shapeshifters, or cambiomorfos, play a fundamental role.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are discussing a movie they just watched.
- LucíaMe encantó el villano mutaforma de la película.I loved the shapeshifter villain in the movie.
- JavierSí, sus transformaciones eran muy realistas.Yes, its transformations were very realistic.
- Lucía¿Crees que el mutaforma ganó al final?Do you think the shapeshifter won in the end?
- JavierNo, el héroe fue más inteligente que él.No, the hero was smarter than him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shapeshifter” translations and entries cambiaforma, 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.
