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gallinas

gah-YEE-nahsɡaˈʝinas

“gallinas” means “hens” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

hens

Also: chickens
NounfA1
A few brown hens standing in a green field.

📝 In Action

Las gallinas están comiendo maíz en el patio.

A1

The hens are eating corn in the yard.

Mis tíos tienen diez gallinas que ponen huevos cada mañana.

A1

My aunt and uncle have ten hens that lay eggs every morning.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • gallos (roosters)

Common Collocations

  • poner huevos – to lay eggs
  • caldo de gallina – chicken soup

Idioms & Expressions

  • acostarse con las gallinas – To go to bed very early (at sunset)
  • piel de gallina – Goosebumps

cowards

Also: chickens
NounfB1informal
A small figure hiding behind a large tree, looking out with a worried expression.

📝 In Action

No sean gallinas, el agua no está tan fría.

A2

Don't be chickens, the water isn't that cold.

Ellos son unos gallinas y no quisieron entrar a la casa vieja.

B1

They are cowards and didn't want to go into the old house.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cobardes (cowards)
  • miedosos (fearful people)

Antonyms

Vocabulary Collections

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "gallinas" in Spanish:

chickens→cowards→hens→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: gallinas

Question 1 of 1

If someone says 'No sean gallinas,' what are they likely suggesting?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
gallina(hen) — Noun
gallinero(chicken coop) — Noun
gallo(rooster) — Noun
pollito(chick) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
cocinaspiscinasvecinas
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'gallina', which was the female version of 'gallus' (rooster).

First recorded: 10th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: gallinaPortuguese: galinha

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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'.