gallinas
/gah-YEE-nahs/
hens
Gallinas: Female adult chickens (hens).
gallinas(noun)
hens
?female adult chickens
chickens
?general term for the birds, specifically females
📝 In Action
Las gallinas están comiendo maíz en el patio.
A1The hens are eating corn in the yard.
Mis tíos tienen diez gallinas que ponen huevos cada mañana.
A1My aunt and uncle have ten hens that lay eggs every morning.
💡 Grammar Points
Making it Plural
Since 'gallina' ends in a vowel, you just add an -s to talk about more than one. Don't forget to change the article to 'las' as well!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gallinas vs. Pollos
Mistake: "Using 'gallinas' for chicken meat in a restaurant."
Correction: Use 'pollo' for the food you eat, and 'gallinas' for the living female birds on a farm.
⭐ Usage Tips
Gender Tip
This word is always feminine because it refers specifically to the female bird. If you want to talk about the male bird, use 'gallos'.
Gallinas: A figurative term for people who are afraid or acting like cowards.
📝 In Action
No sean gallinas, el agua no está tan fría.
A2Don't be chickens, the water isn't that cold.
Ellos son unos gallinas y no quisieron entrar a la casa vieja.
B1They are cowards and didn't want to go into the old house.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Hidden' Gender
When calling someone a 'gallina' (coward), the word stays feminine even if you are talking about a group of men. You say 'ellos son unos gallinas'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Friendly Teasing
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling friends 'gallinas' is common teasing, similar to calling someone a 'chicken' in English.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: gallinas
Question 1 of 1
If someone says 'No sean gallinas,' what are they likely suggesting?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'gallinas' for male chickens?
No, 'gallinas' specifically refers to female chickens (hens). For males, you should use 'gallos' (roosters).
Why do people say 'un gallina' for a man?
Even though the man is male, the word 'gallina' is a fixed feminine noun when it means 'coward.' So, the word ending doesn't change to 'o'.