monos
“monos” means “monkeys” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
monkeys
Also: apes
📝 In Action
En el zoológico vimos muchos monos saltando en los árboles.
A1At the zoo, we saw many monkeys jumping in the trees.
Los monos son animales muy inteligentes y curiosos.
A2Monkeys are very intelligent and curious animals.
cute
Also: pretty, lovely
📝 In Action
¡Qué monos son tus cachorros!
A2How cute your puppies are!
Compramos unos vestidos muy monos para la fiesta.
B1We bought some very cute dresses for the party. (Note: 'vestidos' is masculine plural, hence 'monos')
overalls
Also: jumpsuits, boiler suits
📝 In Action
Los mecánicos usan monos azules para no mancharse la ropa.
B1Mechanics wear blue overalls so they don't stain their clothes.
Ella tiene varios monos de vestir muy elegantes.
B2She has several very elegant jumpsuits.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: monos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'monos' as an adjective?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the singular 'mono', which entered Spanish from the Late Latin word *monnus* (meaning 'ape' or 'monkey'). This may have roots in Arabic or even older languages. The meaning related to 'cute' or 'overalls' developed much later, stemming from the primary meaning of the primate, often associated with simple, perhaps slightly mischievous, charm or simple, practical clothing.
First recorded: 13th century (as 'mono')
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'mono' (cute) used everywhere in the Spanish-speaking world?
While understood everywhere, the adjective 'mono' is most frequently used in Spain. In many Latin American countries, 'lindo' or 'bonito' are much more common ways to say 'cute'.
If I am talking about a group of female monkeys, do I say 'las monas' or 'los monos'?
You would generally say 'las monas' if the group is entirely female. However, if the group is mixed or if you are referring to the species generally, the masculine plural 'los monos' is the standard default.