Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mono araña | /ˌmono aˈɾaɲa/ | masculine |
| maquisapa | /makisapa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine, masculine |
The phrase refers to the monkey of the genus Ateles.
What does it mean word for word?
The term mono araña is a literal translation where mono means monkey and araña means spider.
Which one should you use?
While mono araña is the standard term, other specific names are used depending on the region. maquisapa is a specialized term used in certain areas, whereas Saraguato is another regional variation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, Guatemala and Belize, the term Saraguato is used for the spider monkey. In certain regions of the Amazon, such as Peru, the term maquisapa is used. In Mexico and Central America, Chango is used to refer to monkeys in general or to spider monkeys.
How does it change in a sentence?
mono araña is a masculine noun. maquisapa can be used as either a masculine or feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌmono aˈɾaɲa/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, the word mono is used not only for monkeys but also as a common adjective to describe something 'cute'.
- The word mono can also refer to a 'jumpsuit' or 'overalls' in Spain, meaning a person could be wearing a mono while looking at a mono araña.
- In some Latin American cultures, the spider monkey is associated with folklore and trickster stories, often appearing in tales as a clever but mischievous character.
Examples in context
- La selva tropical de América Latina es el hogar de diversas especies de mono araña.The tropical rainforest of Latin America is home to various spider monkey species.
- La especie Ateles geoffroyi es conocida como mono araña de Geoffroy.The species Ateles geoffroyi is known as Geoffroy's spider monkey.
- Los simios araña son increíblemente ágiles y flexibles.Spider monkeys are incredibly agile and flexible.
- Quisiera ver un saraguato en su hábitat natural.I would like to see a spider monkey in its natural habitat.
- El mono araña vive en la selva.The spider monkey lives in the jungle.
- Vi un mono araña en el zoológico.I saw a spider monkey at the zoo.
- Ese mono araña es muy ágil.That spider monkey is very agile.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are watching a nature documentary on TV.
- Elena¿Qué animal es ese?What animal is that?
- DanielEs un mono araña.It is a spider monkey.
- ElenaEs muy bonito el mono araña.The spider monkey is very pretty.
- DanielSí, es muy impresionante.Yes, it is very impressive.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spider monkey” translations and entries mono araña, maquisapa, 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.
