serpientes
/seɾpjentes/from spelling rules
The English phrase snakes is translated into Spanish as serpientes.
Serpientes is the most common and generic term for snakes in Spanish.
Which one should you use?
While serpientes is the general and more formal term, culebras is a common colloquial term used to refer to snakes, often implying a smaller or less threatening species.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, serpientes is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of serpientes is la serpiente. Because serpiente is a feminine noun, it must be preceded by feminine articles like la or unas.
How do you pronounce it?
/seɾpjentes/
Did you know?
- In certain Latin American folk beliefs, a serpiente is sometimes associated with the 'spirit of the water' or guardian of hidden treasures.
- While 'serpiente' is the standard term, you might hear the word víbora used in Spanish to describe a person who is particularly spiteful or malicious.
- The word serpiente shares the same Latin root as the English word 'serpent', but in Spanish, it is the standard term rather than a poetic or archaic one.
Examples in context
- El niño come serpientes.The boy eats snakes.This sentence is useful for describing a boy eating serpientes.Tatoeba #7362588 by ProfessorAntonnio, translation #7362897 by ProfessorAntonnio
- No temo a las serpientes.I'm not scared of snakes.This sentence is useful for expressing that you do not fear serpientes.Tatoeba #7927679 by Seael, translation #7222441 by CK
- ¿Te molestan las serpientes?Do snakes bother you?This sentence is useful for asking if serpientes bother someone.Tatoeba #6693617 by UsuarioX, translation #953182 by CK
- En el zoológico hay una exhibición de serpientesThere is a snake exhibition at the zoo
- Las culebras son inofensivas y comen roedoresCulebras are harmless and feed on rodents
- Ten cuidado al caminar por el bosque, podrías encontrarte con víborasBe careful walking through the forest, you might come across vipers
- No te acerques a las víboras, son venenosasDon't approach vipers, they are venomous
- 50 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are watching a nature documentary on TV.
- DanielEsas serpientes son muy largas.Those snakes are very long.
- MaríaSí, las serpientes de la selva son impresionantes.Yes, the jungle snakes are impressive.
- Daniel¿Viste la velocidad de la serpiente?Did you see the speed of the snake?
- MaríaEs increíble cómo se mueven las serpientes.It is incredible how snakes move.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
