Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pantano | /panˈtano/ | masculine |
| embalsadero | /embalsaˈdeɾo/ | masculine |
| popal | /popal/ (from spelling rules) | Mexico, masculine |
| suampo | /ˈswampo/ | masculine |
| akalché | /akalt͡ʃe/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| certeneja | /θeɾtenexa/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /seɾtenexa/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
feminine |
The term 'swamp' refers to a type of wetland. While several words exist for this, pantano is the most versatile and common term used across the Spanish-speaking world to describe a swamp or a stagnant body of water.
Which one should you use?
While pantano is the general term, other specific words are used depending on the context or location. For example, if you are referring to a scientific or formal context, you might use humedal to mean 'wetlands'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Different regions use specific terms for certain types of swamps. In Mexico, popal is used to refer to a swamp or wetland area. In Colombia, ciénaga is a commonly used term for a swamp. In Spain, marisma specifically denotes marshy or swampy areas located along the coast.
How does it change in a sentence?
Pantano is a masculine noun. Its plural form is pantanos.
How do you pronounce it?
/panˈtano/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word pantano can be used metaphorically to describe a stagnant or dead-end situation in life or politics.
- In Spain, the word pantano is frequently used to describe a man-made reservoir or dammed lake rather than a natural swamp.
- While many Spanish words have Latin roots, the common word pantano actually entered the language via Italian. It was borrowed from the Italian word pantano, which also describes a muddy or swampy place.
Examples in context
- La peste vino del pantano.The plague came from the swamp.This sentence shows how to describe a source of a plague using pantano.Tatoeba #1624755 by marcelostockle, translation #1624881 by marcelostockle
- Viven a orillas de un pantano.They live on the banks of a swamp.This sentence describes living near the banks of a pantano.Tatoeba #10812676 by Curro, translation #10814797 by Luornu
- Él vive solo en una cabaña en el pantano.He lives alone in a little cottage in the swamp.This sentence describes someone living in a cottage within a pantano.Tatoeba #5882449 by albrusgher, translation #4751743 by Barra
- En ese territorio, podemos encontrar extensos pantanos habitados por diversas especies de animales.In that territory, we can find extensive swamps inhabited by various species of animals.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two hikers are discussing their route during a walk.
- Elena¿Es seguro cruzar este pantano?Is it safe to cross this swamp?
- JavierNo lo sé, Elena, parece muy profundo.I don't know, Elena, it looks very deep.
- ElenaTienes razón, Javier, mejor busquemos otro camino.You are right, Javier, let's find another way instead.
- JavierSí, es mejor evitar el pantano hoy.Yes, it is better to avoid the swamp today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “swamp” translations and entries pantano, embalsadero, popal, suampo, akalché, certeneja, 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 embalsadero, pantano, suampo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
