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How to Say "alligator" in Spanish

English → Spanish

caimán

nounA2general
Use 'caimán' when referring specifically to alligators, caimans, or crocodiles, especially in a zoological or more formal context.

Examples

Vimos un caimán tomando el sol en la orilla del río.

We saw a caiman sunbathing on the riverbank.

lagarto

/lah-GAHR-toh//laˈɡaɾto/

nounA1regional/informal
Use 'lagarto' for a general lizard, but it can be used informally or regionally to refer to a large reptile like an alligator if the context is clear.
A small green lizard sitting on a sun-drenched rock.

Examples

Hay un lagarto grande tomando el sol en esa piedra.

There is a large lizard sunbathing on that rock.

Los lagartos suelen esconderse cuando escuchan ruido.

Lizards usually hide when they hear noise.

La piel del lagarto es escamosa y muy resistente.

The lizard's skin is scaly and very resistant.

One Gender for Both Sexes

In Spanish, 'lagarto' is always masculine, even if the lizard is female. If you need to specify, you say 'el lagarto hembra'.

Lagarto vs. Lagartija

While both mean lizard, use 'lagarto' for bigger ones (like iguanas) and 'lagartija' for the tiny ones you see running up walls.

Confusing with Crocodiles

Mistake: “Calling a crocodile a 'lagarto' in a formal biology test.”

Correction: Use 'cocodrilo' for crocodiles. 'Lagarto' is a general term for lizards, though colloquially some regions use it for alligators.

Caimán vs. Lagarto

The most common mistake is using 'lagarto' when 'caimán' is the more accurate and widely understood term for an alligator or crocodile. While 'lagarto' can sometimes refer to large reptiles, it primarily means 'lizard' and can cause confusion.

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