paloma
/pah-LOH-mah/
pigeon
A common pigeon, known in Spanish as a paloma.
paloma(noun)
pigeon
?the common city bird
,dove
?the white bird representing peace
peace symbol
?figurative use
📝 In Action
Hay muchas palomas en la plaza de la ciudad.
A1There are many pigeons in the city square.
La paloma blanca es un símbolo de paz.
A1The white dove is a symbol of peace.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender of the word
This word is always feminine ('la paloma'), even if the bird is male. To specify a male bird, you say 'la paloma macho'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Pigeon vs. Dove
Mistake: "Trying to find two different Spanish words for pigeon and dove."
Correction: In Spanish, 'paloma' covers both birds. Context tells you if it's a 'pigeon' or a 'dove'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Carrier Pigeons
If you are talking about the birds that used to carry notes, always use 'paloma mensajera'.
A refreshing Paloma cocktail made with grapefruit soda.
📝 In Action
Mesero, ¿me trae una paloma con mucho hielo, por favor?
B1Waiter, can you bring me a 'paloma' with lots of ice, please?
⭐ Usage Tips
Ordering Drinks
While the bird is common everywhere, 'paloma' as a drink is most iconic in Mexico and Mexican-style bars.
In some contexts, paloma refers to a checkmark or tick.
📝 In Action
Saqué un diez porque todas mis respuestas tienen una paloma.
B2I got a ten (perfect score) because all my answers have a checkmark.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: paloma
Question 1 of 2
If you are in a school in Mexico and the teacher says you need a 'paloma', what do you need?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'paloma' always feminine?
Yes, even if you are talking about a male bird, the word remains 'la paloma'. To be specific about the sex, you would say 'la paloma macho' or 'la paloma hembra'.
Does 'paloma' mean popcorn?
Close! 'Palomitas' (the small version of the word) is the most common way to say popcorn in Spain and Mexico.