gorila
“gorila” means “gorilla” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
gorilla
Also: great ape
📝 In Action
El gorila de montaña es una especie protegida.
A2The mountain gorilla is a protected species.
Vimos un gorila enorme en el zoológico.
A1We saw a huge gorilla at the zoo.
bouncer, bodyguard
Also: thug
📝 In Action
Había varios gorilas vigilando la entrada del concierto.
B1There were several bouncers watching the entrance to the concert.
El político siempre va acompañado por dos gorilas.
B2The politician is always accompanied by two bodyguards.
Vocabulary Collections
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: gorila
Question 1 of 2
If you are at a nightclub and see a 'gorila' at the door, what is his likely job?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Greek word 'gorillai', which was used by ancient explorers to describe a 'tribe of hairy women' they encountered in Africa. It later entered Latin and then modern languages.
First recorded: 19th century (in its modern biological sense)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'gorila' and 'guerrilla' the same thing?
No! 'Gorila' is the animal or a bouncer. 'Guerrilla' (pronounced ge-REE-yah) refers to a small group of soldiers or a rebel movement. They sound very similar but are spelled differently.
Can I use 'gorila' to call someone strong?
Yes, but be careful. It implies they are big and perhaps a bit scary or aggressive, not just physically fit.