tortuga
/toɾˈtuɡa/feminine
The Spanish word for turtle is tortuga. If unsure, use tortuga. Wiktionary also lists quelonio.
Meaning: land or marine reptile with a shell (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tortuga | /toɾˈtuɡa/ | feminine |
| quelonio | /keˈlonjo/ | masculine |
The term refers to a land or marine reptile with a shell. You may also use the related verb volcar or the phrase dar una vuelta de campana to express the idea of flipping over onto the back or top.
Which one should you use?
While tortuga is the common, everyday word for a turtle, quelonio is a more formal or scientific term used specifically in biological contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the specific term el caguamo is used to refer to sea turtles.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Tortuga is a feminine noun, and its plural form is tortugas. You can also use the diminutive tortuguita to refer to a little turtle, which is often done to express affection for a pet.
How do you pronounce it?
/toɾˈtuɡa/
Did you know?
- The word tortuga is thought to have evolved from the Old Spanish 'tartuga', which likely originated from a Late Latin term for a mythological spirit.
- The diminutive form tortuguita is frequently used by Spanish speakers to express affection for a pet turtle.
Examples in context
- ¿Es ésa su tortuga?Is this your turtle?This sentence is useful for asking ownership of a tortuga.Tatoeba #7216069 by arh, translation #9966162 by DJ_Saidez
- Me gusta cantarle a mi tortuga.I like to sing to my turtle.This sentence shows how one might express affection for a pet tortuga.Tatoeba #10693114 by Seael, translation #9867814 by shekitten
- El mundo se apoya en la espalda de una gran tortuga.The world rests on the back of a great turtle.This sentence uses tortuga in a metaphorical or mythological context.Tatoeba #1683556 by marcelostockle, translation #1682337 by Spamster
- Me encanta observar la tortuga en el acuario.I love observing the turtle at the aquarium.
- Observé una tortuga de agua en el río Paraná.I observed a water turtle in the Paraná River.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is visiting a local aquarium.
- María¡Mira esa tortuga verde!Look at that green turtle!
- JavierEs muy bonita, María.It is very beautiful, María.
- María¿Tiene la tortuga un caparazón grande?Does the turtle have a large shell?
- JavierSí, es bastante grande.Yes, it is quite large.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “turtle” translations and entries tortuga, quelonio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries quelonio, tortuga, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
