sapo
/ˈsapo/masculine
The Spanish word for toad is sapo. Wiktionary also lists sapa.
Meaning: amphibian similar to a frog (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sapo | /ˈsapo/ | masculine |
| sapa | /ˈsapa/ | feminine |
The word refers to an amphibian similar to a frog.
Which one should you use?
sapo is the masculine form, while sapa is the feminine form. In informal contexts, you might use the diminutive ranita as an affectionate way to refer to a little toad.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word has both masculine and feminine forms: sapo is masculine and sapa is feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsapo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish speaking countries, calling someone a sapo or sapa is a slang term for a snitch or a gossip.
- In some Latin American cultures, there is a traditional belief that keeping a sapo in the house can bring good luck or prosperity.
- The word sapo may be an onomatopoeia, meaning it was originally a word created to mimic the sound a toad makes when it hits wet ground or a puddle.
Examples in context
- El sapo se convirtió en príncipe.The toad became prince.This sentence shows the word sapo used in a fairy tale context.Tatoeba #538866 by hayastan, translation #9795565 by DJ_Saidez
- La bruja echó el sapo al caldero.The witch threw the toad into her cauldron.This sentence shows the word sapo used in a sentence about a witch.Tatoeba #13687699 by Seael, translation #2588682 by Hybrid
- Estudiamos un tipo de sapo venenoso muy similar a una roca.We are studying a species of poisonous toad that looks very similar to a stone.This sentence shows the word sapo used when discussing biological species.Tatoeba #1402683 by hayastan, translation #12691174 by AlanF_US
- La leyenda cuenta que el sapo se convierte en príncipe al ser besado por una princesa.The legend says that the toad turns into a prince when kissed by a princess.
- En mi jardín tengo un sapito muy simpático.In my garden, I have a very friendly little toad.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a garden after a rainstorm.
- Alejandro¡Mira ese sapo cerca de la flor!Look at that toad near the flower!
- LucíaEs muy grande y tiene la piel rugosa.It is very big and has bumpy skin.
- AlejandroEl sapo no parece peligroso.The toad does not look dangerous.
- LucíaEs cierto, es un animal muy tranquilo.That's true, it is a very calm animal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “toad” translations and entries sapo, sapa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sapa, sapo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
