gorila
/go-REE-lah/
gorilla
A gorilla in its natural habitat.
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
One Gender for Both Sexes
This word is always masculine ('el gorila'). To specify a female, you say 'el gorila hembra' rather than changing the word to 'la gorila'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Spelling Alert
Mistake: "guerilla"
Correction: gorila (for the animal) vs guerrilla (for a rebel fighter).
⭐ Usage Tips
Pronunciation Tip
Make sure to tap the 'r' quickly with your tongue against the roof of your mouth, like the 'dd' in the English word 'ladder'.
A bouncer or security guard at an entrance.
gorila(noun)
bouncer
?security at a club
,bodyguard
?someone protecting a VIP
thug
?a large, intimidating man
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Using it as a Description
When used for people, it's often slightly negative or descriptive of their large size and tough attitude.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Situations
Avoid using 'gorila' in a formal report; use 'guardaespaldas' (bodyguard) or 'personal de seguridad' (security staff) instead.
✏️ 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
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.