víbora
/ˈbiboɾa/feminine
The English word 'viper' is translated into Spanish as víbora. Wiktionary also lists timbo and tamagás.
Meaning: a poisonous snake in the family Viperidae (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| víbora | /ˈbiboɾa/ | feminine |
| timbo | /timbo/ (from spelling rules) | feminine, masculine |
| tamagás | /tamaˈɡas/ | masculine |
The term víbora refers to a poisonous snake in the family Viperidae. Beyond the biological meaning, in many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone a víbora is a common way to describe a person who is spiteful, treacherous or a gossip.
Which one should you use?
While víbora specifically refers to a viper, the term culebra is an informal catch-all term used for any type of snake, including vipers.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the word yarará is used when referring to a venomous snake similar to a viper.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of víbora is víboras.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbiboɾa/
Did you know?
- The word víbora comes from the Latin words for 'alive' and 'to give birth to'. This refers to the biological fact that vipers give birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
- In Argentina, the term yarará is used for vipers. This word comes from the indigenous Guaraní language, reflecting the influence of native cultures on local Spanish vocabulary.
- The word víbora is feminine in gender, regardless of the actual sex of the snake being discussed.
Examples in context
- La víbora se escondió entre las rocas.The viper hid among the rocks.
- Vimos una víbora cerca del río.We saw a viper near the river.
- Esa víbora tiene un veneno muy fuerte.That viper has a very strong venom.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are hiking in a dry forest.
- María¡Cuidado, Mateo! ¡Hay una víbora!Watch out, Mateo! There is a viper!
- Mateo¿Dónde está la víbora?Where is the viper?
- MaríaEstá justo debajo de ese arbusto.It is right under that bush.
- MateoGracias por avisarme, María.Thanks for warning me, María.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “viper” translations and entries víbora, tamagás, 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 víbora, CC BY-SA 4.0.
