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buitre

BWEE-treh/ˈbwitɾe/

“buitre” means “vulture” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

vulture

Also: scavenger
NounmA2
A large vulture with dark feathers and a bald head perched on a dry tree branch.

📝 In Action

El buitre volaba en círculos sobre la montaña.

A2

The vulture was flying in circles over the mountain.

Los buitres ayudan a limpiar la naturaleza.

B1

Vultures help clean up nature.

Vimos un buitre leonado en el cañón.

B2

We saw a griffon vulture in the canyon.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • carroñero (scavenger)

Common Collocations

  • buitre leonado – griffon vulture
  • buitre negro – black vulture

vulture

Also: opportunist, shark
NounmB2informal
SpainArgentina/Uruguay
A greedy man in a dark suit leaning over a pile of gold coins with a sharp, bird-like expression.

📝 In Action

No seas un buitre y deja algo de comida para los demás.

B1

Don't be a vulture; leave some food for the others.

Esos inversores son unos buitres que buscan empresas en crisis.

B2

Those investors are vultures looking for companies in crisis.

Su exmarido se portó como un buitre con la herencia.

C1

Her ex-husband acted like a vulture regarding the inheritance.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • oportunista (opportunist)
  • aprovechado (freeloader/taker)

Common Collocations

  • fondo buitre – vulture fund (predatory investment fund)
  • actuar como un buitre – to act like a vulture

Idioms & Expressions

  • ser un buitre – to be an opportunist or someone who hits on everyone at a party

Vocabulary Collections

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "buitre" in Spanish:

opportunist→scavenger→shark→vulture→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: buitre

Question 1 of 3

If you call someone a 'buitre' in a business meeting, what are you saying?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
buitrear(to scavenge or to flirt aggressively) — Verb
buitreo(the act of scavenging or preying) — Noun
buitrera(vulture roost or nest) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
pupitresalitre
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'vultur', which refers to the bird of prey known for plucking or tearing its food.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: vultureFrench: vautourItalian: avvoltoio

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I say 'female vulture'?

Since the word is always masculine, you say 'el buitre hembra' (the female vulture).

Is 'buitre' always an insult when used for people?

Yes, it is almost always derogatory, implying the person is greedy, predatory, or insensitive to others' problems.

Is there a verb for acting like a vulture?

Yes, 'buitrear'. In slang, it can mean looking for scraps or, more commonly in Spain, looking for someone to flirt with.