How to Say "bush" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “bush” is “mato” — use 'mato' to refer to a single, small, dense woody plant, similar to an individual shrub or clump of bushes..
mato
MAH-toh/ˈma.to/
Examples
El conejo se escondió rápidamente bajo el mato.
The rabbit quickly hid under the bush.
El perro se escondió entre el mato para evitar la lluvia.
The dog hid among the bush to avoid the rain.
Hay que podar ese mato, está tapando la ventana.
We have to prune that shrub; it's covering the window.
Gender Check
Even though it ends in 'o,' remember 'mato' is always masculine, so use 'el mato' or 'un mato'.
Using the wrong word for a tree
Mistake: “Calling a large tree 'un mato'.”
Correction: 'Mato' refers to a small, low plant. Use 'árbol' for a large tree.
monte
/món-te//ˈmonte/
Examples
Los excursionistas se adentraron en el monte para encontrar el sendero perdido.
The hikers ventured into the woods to find the lost trail.
Nos perdimos un poco al entrar en el monte.
We got a little lost when we entered the woods.
Hay que tener cuidado con los incendios en el monte seco.
We must be careful with fires in the dry scrubland.
El perro se escapó y se metió en el monte.
The dog escaped and went into the brush.
Gender Reminder
Even though 'monte' ends in '-e', it is a masculine noun, so you use 'el monte' or 'un monte'.
Confusing 'Monte' and 'Bosque'
Mistake: “Using 'bosque' when referring to low, wild brush or scrubland.”
Correction: 'Monte' is often used for wilder, less managed land, whereas 'bosque' implies a taller, more established forest.
Mato vs. Monte
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.