pájaro paraguas
/paxaɾo paɾaɡwas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "umbrella bird" is pájaro paraguas in Spanish.
This phrase refers to a specific type of bird found in Central and South America, named for the distinctive crest on its head that resembles an umbrella.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun paraguas is invariable in both gender and number. This means the phrase does not change its form when you are referring to more than one bird. For example, you would say los pájaros paraguas to mean "the umbrella birds".
How do you pronounce it?
/paxaɾo paɾaɡwas/
Did you know?
- While English uses 'umbrella' as a noun, the Spanish term paraguas functions like a tiny sentence of 'stop waters'.
- The word pájaro descends from the Latin word passer, which specifically meant 'sparrow'.
- In the wild, the pájaro paraguas is known for its deep, booming call that can sound like a loud thud, a sound that contradicts its delicate 'umbrella' name.
Examples in context
- Ayer, mientras caminaba por la selva, vi un pájaro paraguas majestuoso volando entre los árboles.Yesterday, while walking through the jungle, I saw a majestic umbrella bird flying among the trees.
- Vi un pájaro paraguas en la selva.I saw an umbrella bird in the jungle.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are visiting a tropical zoo.
- LucíaAlejandro, mira aquel pájaro paraguas.Alejandro, look at that umbrella bird.
- AlejandroEs increíble, nunca había visto uno.It's incredible, I had never seen one.
- LucíaMe encanta la forma de su cabeza.I love the shape of its head.
- AlejandroSí, el pájaro paraguas es muy especial.Yes, the umbrella bird is very special.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries paraguas, pájaro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
