mono
/ˈmono/masculine
The English word "monkey" is translated into Spanish as mono. Wiktionary also lists chango and mico.
Meaning: primate (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mono | /ˈmono/ | masculine |
| chango | /ˈt͡ʃanɡo/ | Mexico, masculine |
| mico | /ˈmiko/ | Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, masculine |
| simio | /ˈsimjo/ | masculine |
| jimio | /ˈximjo/ | masculine |
| maimón | /maiˈmon/ | masculine |
The terms in this list refer to primates.
Which one should you use?
While mono is the general term for monkey, simio is often used in a more scientific or formal context to refer to apes or primates in general.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Chango is a common way to say monkey in Mexico. Mico is frequently used to refer to monkeys in Central America and countries like Colombia and Ecuador.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of mono is monos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmono/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, using the word mono can actually be a compliment to someone's appearance, similar to calling them a 'cutie'.
- In certain contexts, the word mono can refer to a 'jumpsuit' or 'overalls', especially when referring to work clothes.
- The Spanish word mono and the English word 'monkey' both trace their roots back to the Arabic word maymūn, which referred to a baboon or mandrill.
Examples in context
- Es carne de mono.It's monkey meat.This sentence shows how to identify meat from a mono.Tatoeba #1119551 by Shishir, translation #1117904 by Scott
- Se escapó el mono.The monkey got away.This sentence describes a mono that has escaped.Tatoeba #4637418 by lawka, translation #1117893 by Scott
- ¡Mi mono se ha escapado!My monkey ran away!This sentence expresses that one's own mono has run away.Tatoeba #578933 by Shishir, translation #537045 by tomkun01
- El mono en el zoológico es muy inteligente.The monkey at the zoo is very intelligent.
- La belleza del mono es extraordinaria.The beauty of the monkey is extraordinary.
- El changuito es muy juguetón.The little monkey is very playful.
- ¡Mira ese mico, está trepando el árbol!Look at that monkey, it's climbing the tree!
- Esa persona es más traviesa que un mono.That person is more mischievous than a monkey.
- ¡No te hagas el mono!Don't play dumb!
- 38 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are watching a documentary about wildlife.
- DanielMira ese mono en la pantalla.Look at that monkey on the screen.
- LucíaEs un mono muy ágil, Daniel.It is a very agile monkey, Daniel.
- DanielParece que busca comida.It looks like it is looking for food.
- LucíaSí, los monos siempre tienen hambre.Yes, monkeys are always hungry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “monkey” translations and entries mono, chango, mico, simio, jimio, maimón, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chango, mico, mono, simio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
