vaquita marina
/bakita maɾina/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'vaquita' refers to the Spanish term vaquita marina, which is the name for the porpoise species Phocoena sinus.
In Spanish, vaquita can mean a small cow, but to specifically refer to the porpoise species and distinguish it from a cow, you should use the full phrase vaquita marina.
Meaning: Phocoena sinus (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word vaquita is the diminutive form of vaca (cow), which literally means 'little cow'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of vaquita is vaquitas.
Did you know?
- The term vaquita is used in a contrasting way in some Latin American regions to refer to a 'collection' or 'pool' of money, as in hacer una vaquita to split a bill.
- Because vaquita is the diminutive of vaca, the word vaca is a cognate of the English word 'vaccine', which comes from the Latin 'vacca' for cow.
- In Mexico, the vaquita marina is often called the 'panda of the sea' because it is one of the world's most endangered mammals.
Examples in context
- La vaquita marina es una especie endémica de México, habita en el norte del Golfo de California y está considerada en peligro de extinción.The vaquita is a porpoise species endemic to Mexico, living in the northern end of the Gulf of California, and is considered to be in danger of extinction.This sentence is useful for learning about the habitat and conservation status of the vaquita marina.Tatoeba #10584025 by Adelpa, translation #10619411 by sangelo
- La vaquita marina es muy difícil de ver en el mar.The vaquita marina is very difficult to see in the sea.
- Los científicos estudian a la vaquita marina en su hábitat.Scientists study the vaquita marina in its habitat.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are watching a nature documentary on TV.
- Lucía¿Es esa la vaquita marina que mencionaste?Is that the vaquita marina you mentioned?
- AlejandroSí, Lucía, es la más pequeña de los delfines.Yes, Lucía, it is the smallest of the dolphins.
- LucíaEs una criatura realmente fascinante.It is a truly fascinating creature.
- AlejandroEs verdad, pero es una especie muy vulnerable.It is true, but it is a very vulnerable species.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
