tortuga mordedora
/toɾtuɡa moɾdedoɾa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "snapping turtle" is translated into Spanish as tortuga mordedora.
The term refers to a turtle belonging to the family Chelydridae.
Meaning: turtle of the family Chelydridae (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tortuga (turtle) and mordedora (biting/snapping), derived from the verb morder (to bite).
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must take the plural suffix -s.
How do you pronounce it?
/toɾtuɡa moɾdedoɾa/
Did you know?
- The word tortuga shares a surprising connection to the mythological abyss of Tartarus, the Greek prison of the Titans. It is believed the name derives from a legendary spirit of Greek origin.
- While tortuga mordedora is the technical name, many Spanish speakers use tortuga caimán because the animal's head and jaw resemble those of a caiman.
- In Spanish the word tortuga is used for both turtles and tortoises regardless of whether they live in water or on land.
Examples in context
- Ayer vi una tortuga mordedora en el ríoYesterday, I saw a snapping turtle in the river
- Vi una tortuga mordedora en el lago.I saw a snapping turtle in the lake.
- La tortuga mordedora es muy agresiva.The snapping turtle is very aggressive.
- Cuidado con esa tortuga mordedora.Watch out for that snapping turtle.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are walking near a swamp.
- JavierSofía, mira esa tortuga mordedora en el barro.Sofía, look at that snapping turtle in the mud.
- SofíaEs enorme, no te acerques demasiado.It's huge, don't get too close.
- JavierTienes razón, parece peligrosa.You're right, it looks dangerous.
- SofíaMejor sigamos caminando.Better if we keep walking.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “snapping turtle” translations, 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 tortuga, CC BY-SA 4.0.
