serpiente
/ser-PYEN-teh/
snake
The most common meaning of serpiente is the animal, the snake.
📝 In Action
La serpiente se deslizó silenciosamente entre las rocas.
A2The snake slid silently between the rocks.
Debemos tener cuidado, hay serpientes venenosas en este bosque.
B1We must be careful, there are poisonous snakes in this forest.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
Even if you are talking about a male snake, 'serpiente' is always a feminine word, so you must use 'la' or 'una'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Culebra vs. Serpiente
'Serpiente' is the general term. 'Culebra' is often used specifically for harmless snakes, but many people use the two words interchangeably.
Serpiente can also be used metaphorically to describe a treacherous or sly person.
📝 In Action
Cuidado con ese hombre, es una serpiente; te traicionará.
B2Be careful with that man, he is a snake; he will betray you.
Ella sonríe mucho, pero en el fondo es una serpiente.
C1She smiles a lot, but deep down she is a viper.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Consistency
When used figuratively, the word 'serpiente' remains feminine ('una serpiente') even if you are talking about a man. It describes his character, not his biological gender.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using Masculine Article
Mistake: "Él es un serpiente."
Correction: Él es una serpiente. (The noun itself is feminine, even when referring to a male person.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Strong Insult
This figurative use is quite strong and implies deceit, maliciousness, and potential danger. Use it only in informal contexts.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: serpiente
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'serpiente' in its figurative, insulting meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'serpiente' the same as 'culebra'?
They are very similar! 'Serpiente' is the general term for all snakes. 'Culebra' often refers specifically to non-venomous or harmless snakes, but in everyday conversation, many native speakers use them interchangeably.