pájaro
/PAH-hah-roh/
bird
The most common meaning of pájaro is "bird."
📝 In Action
Vi un pájaro azul muy bonito en el jardín.
A1I saw a very beautiful blue bird in the garden.
El pájaro carpintero hace un sonido muy fuerte.
A2The woodpecker (carpenter bird) makes a very loud sound.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun Rule
Remember that 'pájaro' is always masculine, so you use 'el' (the) and 'un' (a) with it, even though many animals in Spanish have different gender names for male and female.
⭐ Usage Tips
General vs. Scientific
While 'pájaro' is great for everyday use, if you are talking about birds scientifically or formally (like conservation), the word 'ave' is often preferred.
Pájaro can also refer to a "sly person" or someone suspicious.
pájaro(noun)
sly person
?someone suspicious or tricky
,fellow
?general term for a guy (Spain)
rascal
?mischievous or tricky person
📝 In Action
No confíes en él, es un pájaro de cuidado.
B2Don't trust him, he's a tricky/suspicious fellow.
¡Mira qué pájaro, se ha comido todo el pastel!
B1Look at that rascal, he ate the whole cake!
💡 Grammar Points
Context is Key
When 'pájaro' refers to a person, the context usually implies that the person is slightly suspicious, sly, or mischievous, not just a neutral 'guy'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Caution
Because this meaning is informal and can be slightly derogatory, use it only among close friends or when you are sure you understand the local flavor of the word.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pájaro
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'pájaro' in its figurative, informal meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'pájaro' and 'ave'?
'Pájaro' usually refers to small, common, singing birds (like sparrows or robins) and is the most common word in daily speech. 'Ave' is the general, more technical or formal term for any bird, including larger birds like eagles or ostriches.
Can I use 'pájaro' to call a woman sly?
No. Since 'pájaro' is a masculine noun, it is almost exclusively used to refer to a man or boy when used figuratively. You would need another word, like 'pilla' (rascal/sly girl), for a woman.