raya águila manchada
/raʝa aɡila mant͡ʃada/from spelling rules
The English phrase "spotted eagle ray" is translated into Spanish as raya águila manchada.
The term refers to a large ray belonging to the order Aetobatus narinari.
Meaning: A large ray, of the orders Aetobatus narinari (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/raʝa aɡila mantʃada/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word águila is feminine, but it uses the masculine article el instead of la in the singular to avoid a clashing sound. This unusual grammar rule applies whenever the word starts with a stressed 'a' sound.
- While manchada means 'spotted', the root verb manchar also means 'to stain' or 'to soil'. In a different context, saying something is manchado could imply it is dirty rather than naturally patterned.
- In Spanish, the word raya can also refer to a 'line' or a 'stripe', highlighting how the word's history of 'radiating' lines is still present in the language.
Examples in context
- La raya águila moteada es una especie fascinante que se encuentra en las aguas tropicalesThe spotted eagle ray is a fascinating species found in tropical waters
- Hoy, mientras buceaba en Cancún, vi una raya águila manchada enormeToday, while diving in Cancun, I saw a massive spotted eagle ray
- Vi una raya águila manchada en el arrecife.I saw a spotted eagle ray in the reef.
- La raya águila manchada nada muy rápido.The spotted eagle ray swims very fast.
- Esa raya águila manchada tiene manchas hermosas.That spotted eagle ray has beautiful spots.
Example conversation
Two divers are looking at a photo from their recent trip.
- Javier¿Es esa una raya águila manchada?Is that a spotted eagle ray?
- LucíaSí, la raya águila manchada es impresionante.Yes, the spotted eagle ray is impressive.
- JavierEs la mejor foto de tu viaje.It is the best photo from your trip.
- LucíaMe encantó verla nadar cerca de mí.I loved seeing it swim near me.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
