capullo
“capullo” means “bud” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
bud
Also: blossom
📝 In Action
Las rosas todavía están en capullo.
A2The roses are still in bud.
El capullo de la flor se abrirá mañana.
B1The flower bud will open tomorrow.
Ella es como un capullo que está a punto de florecer.
B2She is like a bud about to bloom.
cocoon
📝 In Action
El gusano de seda está dentro de su capullo.
B1The silkworm is inside its cocoon.
Hacen falta muchos capullos para fabricar seda.
B2Many cocoons are needed to manufacture silk.
La oruga sale del capullo convertida en mariposa.
B2The caterpillar emerges from the cocoon turned into a butterfly.
jerk
Also: idiot
📝 In Action
¡No seas capullo y ayúdame!
B2Don't be a jerk and help me!
Ese tío es un capullo integral.
C1That guy is a total jerk.
Lo hizo solo para molestar, es un capullo.
B2He did it just to annoy [me], he's an idiot.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: capullo
Question 1 of 3
If you are in a garden in Mexico and see a 'capullo', what are you looking at?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'capulus', meaning a handle or a small container, referring to the way the bud 'contains' the flower.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'capullo' a very bad swear word?
In Spain, it is a mild to moderate insult. It's not as strong as 'gilipollas', but you shouldn't use it in formal settings or with people you don't know.
Can 'capullo' be used for a girl?
Yes, but it stays masculine: 'Ella es un capullo'. However, it is much more commonly used to refer to men.
What's the difference between 'capullo' and 'botón'?
'Capullo' is specifically for flowers and insects. 'Botón' is usually a button on clothing, though in some countries it is also used for flower buds.