jaula
/HAH-oo-lah/
cage
Jaula, meaning 'cage', refers to a structure designed for keeping animals.
jaula(noun)
cage
?structure for keeping animals
birdcage
?small cage for birds
,hutch
?cage for small mammals like rabbits
📝 In Action
El pájaro canta todo el día dentro de su jaula.
A1The bird sings all day inside its cage.
Necesitamos una jaula grande para transportar al perro.
A2We need a large cage to transport the dog.
La jaula del león era de acero reforzado.
B1The lion's cage was made of reinforced steel.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Rule
Remember that 'jaula' is a feminine noun, so you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la jaula', 'una jaula pequeña').
⭐ Usage Tips
Pronunciation Tip
The 'j' in 'jaula' sounds like the English 'h' in 'house' (a strong, breathy sound), not like the 'j' in 'jump'.
In a figurative sense, jaula can mean 'trap' or restriction, implying a feeling of being confined or restricted.
jaula(noun)
trap
?figurative sense of being restricted
,enclosure/framework
?protective structure, e.g., a roll cage in a car
shaft cage
?elevator structure used in mining
📝 In Action
Siente que su trabajo es una jaula de la que no puede escapar.
B1She feels her job is a cage (a trap) from which she cannot escape.
El coche de carreras tenía una jaula antivuelco para la seguridad del piloto.
B2The race car had a roll cage for the driver's safety.
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Use
When talking about feelings or situations, 'jaula' often means a restrictive or suffocating place, similar to how we use 'trap' or 'prison' in English.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: jaula
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'jaula' in its figurative (non-literal) sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'jaula' only refer to cages for small pets?
No. While often used for small birds or pets, 'jaula' is the general term for any cage, including large enclosures for zoo animals (like lions or tigers) or even protective frameworks in vehicles (roll cages).
Is 'jaula' ever masculine?
'Jaula' is strictly a feminine noun. You must always use feminine articles ('la jaula', 'una jaula').