mona
/MOH-nah/
female monkey
Mona can mean 'female monkey'.
📝 In Action
La mona del zoológico estaba jugando con su cría.
A2The female monkey at the zoo was playing with her baby.
Vimos una mona muy grande trepando el árbol.
B1We saw a very large monkey climbing the tree.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Match
Remember that 'mona' is the female noun. If you are talking about a male monkey, you must use 'mono'.
When used as an adjective, mona describes something 'cute' or charming.
mona(adjective)
cute
?attractive, charming
,pretty
?nice looking
lovely
?pleasant or delightful
,dainty
?small and delicate
📝 In Action
¡Qué casa tan mona! Me encanta la decoración.
B1What a cute house! I love the decoration.
Ella es una chica muy mona, siempre sonríe.
B1She is a very pretty girl, she always smiles.
Llevas una camiseta muy mona.
A2You are wearing a very cute t-shirt.
💡 Grammar Points
Use with Ser/Estar
When describing a permanent characteristic (like someone's general appearance), use 'ser': 'Ella es mona.' When describing a temporary state (like someone's outfit), you can use 'estar': '¡Qué mona estás hoy!'
⭐ Usage Tips
Regional Preference
This adjective is extremely popular in Spain. While understood everywhere, learners might hear 'linda' or 'bonita' more often in Latin America.
In some contexts, mona is slang for a 'hangover'.
📝 In Action
Después de la boda, tenía una mona que no me dejaba levantarme.
C1After the wedding, I had a hangover that wouldn't let me get up.
Todavía tiene la mona de anoche, no puede ni hablar.
C1She still has the tipsiness from last night, she can't even speak.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
This meaning is specific to Spain and highly informal. Use 'resaca' if you are unsure or speaking in a more formal setting.
Mona refers to a traditional Spanish 'Easter cake'.
mona(noun)
Easter cake
?Traditional Spanish dessert
Mona de Pascua
?The specific name of the dessert
📝 In Action
Vamos a comprar una mona para la Pascua con figuras de chocolate.
B1We are going to buy an Easter cake with chocolate figures for Easter.
⭐ Usage Tips
Cultural Note
The 'mona' is traditionally gifted by godparents to their godchildren on Easter Monday in Catalonia, Valencia, and Murcia.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: mona
Question 1 of 2
Which of the following sentences uses 'mona' to mean 'cute'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'mona' mean both 'monkey' and 'cute'?
The meaning 'cute' developed because small monkeys were historically popular pets, often dressed in tiny clothes. This practice made them seem charming or quaint, leading to the adjective 'mono/mona' meaning 'cute' or 'pretty' based on that association.
Is 'mona' used to describe men as well?
Yes, but you must use the masculine form, 'mono.' For example, 'Él es muy mono' means 'He is very cute.'