tigre
“tigre” means “tiger” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
tiger
📝 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.
powerhouse
Also: go-getter, shark
📝 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.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tigre
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'tigre' in its common, figurative meaning?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *tigris*, which was borrowed from the ancient Greek *tígris*. The word likely originated in an ancient Iranian language, meaning 'arrow,' possibly referring to the animal's swiftness.
First recorded: Used in Spanish since the 13th century.
Cognates (Related words)
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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'.