Inklingo
← Dictionary

sapo

sah-poh/ˈsapo/

“sapo” means “toad” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

toad

Also: frog
NounmA1
General
A green and brown bumpy-skinned toad sitting on a large lily pad in a pond.

📝 In Action

El sapo saltó al jardín después de la lluvia.

A1

The toad hopped into the garden after the rain.

Hay un sapo grande viviendo debajo de esa piedra.

A2

There is a large toad living under that rock.

En los cuentos de hadas, a veces el sapo se convierte en príncipe.

B1

In fairy tales, sometimes the toad turns into a prince.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • batracio (amphibian)

Common Collocations

  • el sapo y la rana – the toad and the frog
  • piel de sapo – toad skin (also a type of melon)

Idioms & Expressions

  • tragar sapos – to have to endure or accept something very unpleasant without complaining

snitch, informant

Also: nosy person
NounmB2slang
ColombiaChile
A small frog-like character hiding behind a tree, pointing a finger towards another character.

📝 In Action

No seas sapo, no le cuentes a mi mamá lo que hice.

B1

Don't be a snitch, don't tell my mom what I did.

Ese vecino es un sapo; siempre está mirando por la ventana.

B2

That neighbor is so nosy; he's always looking through the window.

Tuvieron que mudarse porque lo acusaron de ser un sapo de la policía.

C1

They had to move because he was accused of being a police informant.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • soplón (snitch)
  • metiche (meddler (Mexico/Central America))

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • ser un sapo – to be a snitch/nosy

Idioms & Expressions

  • morir por la boca como el sapo – to get in trouble because of talking too much

Vocabulary Collections

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "sapo" in Spanish:

frog→informant→nosy person→snitch→toad→

🗣️ Practice in a Tongue Twister

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: sapo

Question 1 of 3

If someone calls you a 'sapo' in a casual conversation in Colombia, what are they likely saying?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
sapito(little toad) — Noun
sapada(act of being nosy/snitching) — Noun
sapería(snitching/nosy behavior) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Of uncertain origin, likely from a pre-Roman Iberian word 'sappus'. It has been in the Spanish language for many centuries to describe the animal.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: sapo

💡 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 'sapo' a bad word?

It is not a swear word, but it is an insult. Calling someone a 'sapo' suggests they are untrustworthy or annoying because they meddle in other people's business.

How do I say 'female toad'?

You still use the word 'sapo' because it is a fixed masculine noun. You would say 'el sapo hembra'.

What is 'Piel de Sapo'?

Literally 'toad skin,' it is the most popular type of green-skinned melon in Spain, named for its mottled appearance.