Inklingo

How to Say "bird" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pájaro

nounA1general
Use 'pájaro' when referring to a typical, often smaller, flying creature you might see in a garden or park.

Examples

Vi un pájaro azul muy bonito en el jardín.

I saw a very beautiful blue bird in the garden.

ave

/ah-veh//ˈaβe/

nounA1general/formal
Use 'ave' for a more general or scientific classification of birds, or when referring to birds in a more formal context.
A simplified illustration of a small blue songbird perched on a thin brown branch.

Examples

Vimos un ave exótica en el parque.

We saw an exotic bird in the park.

Las aves migratorias viajan miles de kilómetros.

Migratory birds travel thousands of kilometers.

The 'El Ave' Rule

Even though 'ave' is a feminine noun (meaning it uses 'la' in the plural: 'las aves'), we use the masculine article 'el' right before it in the singular ('el ave'). This is only done to make the pronunciation sound smoother because the word starts with a stressed 'a' sound.

Using 'La' in Singular

Mistake: “La ave es grande.”

Correction: El ave es grande. (Remember: use 'el' for singular feminine nouns that start with a stressed 'a' sound.)

Pájaro vs. Ave

Learners often wonder if there's a strict rule. Generally, 'pájaro' is the default for common birds. 'Ave' is broader and can sound more formal or scientific, so using 'pájaro' for everyday sightings is usually safe.

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