Inklingo
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mono

/MOH-noh/

monkey

A small brown monkey sitting on a thick green tree branch, holding a yellow banana.

In Spanish, 'mono' refers to this playful animal.

mono(noun)

mA1

monkey

?

animal

Also:

ape

?

general term for primates

📝 In Action

El mono come plátanos muy rápido en el zoológico.

A1

The monkey eats bananas very quickly at the zoo.

Dicen que el mono es el animal más inteligente del bosque.

A2

They say the monkey is the most intelligent animal in the forest.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • simio (ape)

Common Collocations

  • mono aullador – howler monkey
  • parque de monos – monkey park

Idioms & Expressions

  • estar como un mono – to be very mischievous or naughty (often used for children)

💡 Grammar Points

Feminine Form

To talk about a female monkey, you use 'la mona', though 'el mono' can refer to the species generally.

⭐ Usage Tips

Latin American Alternative

In many parts of Latin America, 'chango' or 'mico' might also be used informally for monkey.

A tiny, fluffy white kitten sitting on a soft blue blanket with large, innocent eyes.

When used as an adjective, 'mono' describes something charming or cute.

mono(adjective)

mA2

cute

?

charming, appealing

Also:

pretty

?

attractive, lovely (usually for objects/children)

📝 In Action

¡Qué mono es tu bebé con ese gorro!

A2

How cute your baby is with that hat!

Hemos comprado una casa muy mona en la costa.

B1

We bought a very pretty house on the coast.

Ella es muy mona, pero no sabe que me gusta.

B2

She is very attractive, but she doesn't know I like her.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • feo (ugly)

💡 Grammar Points

Matching the Noun

Like all Spanish adjectives, 'mono' must match the item it describes: 'un regalo mono' (a cute gift) but 'una camisa mona' (a cute shirt).

A simple, bright red, full-length jumpsuit hanging neatly on a wooden clothes hanger.

'Mono' can also mean a jumpsuit, a one-piece item of clothing.

mono(noun)

mB1

jumpsuit

?

fashion garment

Also:

overalls

?

protective work clothing

,

boiler suit

?

industrial clothing

📝 In Action

Ponte el mono de pintor para no mancharte la ropa.

B1

Put on the painter's overalls so you don't stain your clothes.

Compró un mono elegante para la fiesta.

B2

She bought a stylish jumpsuit for the party.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • buzo (overall/diver)

Common Collocations

  • mono de trabajo – work overalls

⭐ Usage Tips

Context is Key

If you are talking about clothes, use 'el mono'. If you mean 'cute', use 'mono' as an adjective. The article 'el' helps distinguish the noun.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: mono

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'mono' as an adjective meaning 'cute'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

mona(female monkey / cute (feminine adj)) - noun/adjective
monada(cuteness / cute little thing) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'mono' always mean 'cute' in every Spanish-speaking country?

No. While understood everywhere, the adjective 'mono' meaning 'cute' is much more common and frequently used in Spain. In Latin America, people are more likely to use 'lindo' or 'bonito' for the same meaning.

If I am wearing a one-piece outfit, should I use 'mono' or 'mona'?

You should use 'el mono' (masculine), because 'mono' is a masculine noun when referring to the piece of clothing, regardless of whether a man or woman is wearing it.