tigre
/TEE-greh/
tiger
The word tigre literally means "tiger," the large striped feline.
📝 In Action
El tigre de Bengala es una especie protegida.
A2The Bengal tiger is a protected species.
En el zoológico, el tigre estaba durmiendo bajo un árbol.
A1At the zoo, the tiger was sleeping under a tree.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Consistency
Remember that 'tigre' is always a masculine noun, even if you are talking about a female tiger, which is common. You say 'el tigre' in most cases.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Female Form
If you absolutely must specify the sex, use 'la tigresa' for the female, but 'el tigre' is the general term.
Tigre can also be used metaphorically to describe a highly skilled, competitive person or a "powerhouse."
tigre(noun)
powerhouse
?a highly skilled, competitive person
go-getter
?someone very ambitious and energetic
,shark
?in business or competitive contexts
📝 In Action
Mi entrenador es un tigre; nos hace correr diez kilómetros todos los días.
B2My coach is a powerhouse; he makes us run ten kilometers every day.
María es una tigre en la negociación; siempre consigue el mejor precio.
C1Maria is a shark in negotiations; she always gets the best price.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
When used figuratively to describe a person, the word 'tigre' often keeps its masculine form, even if the person is female (like calling a woman 'un tigre').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing literal and figurative
Mistake: "Using 'tigre' figuratively in a formal setting."
Correction: This meaning is very informal. Use 'profesional' or 'competente' (competent) instead of 'tigre' in a business report.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tigre
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'tigre' in its common, figurative meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
If I am talking about a female tiger, should I use 'tigre' or 'tigresa'?
You can use either! The general term is 'el tigre,' which applies to both sexes. If you want to emphasize the female gender, use 'la tigresa'.