How to Say "coward" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “coward” is “cobarde” — this is the most direct and neutral translation for 'coward', suitable for most general situations where you want to express a lack of bravery.
This is the most direct and neutral translation for 'coward', suitable for most general situations where you want to express a lack of bravery.
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Use 'gallina' informally to call someone a coward, often implying they are scared of something specific and should overcome their fear.
Learn more →This is a mild, figurative insult for someone who is timid or easily frightened, similar to calling someone a 'scaredy-cat'.
Learn more →This is a highly offensive and homophobic slur used to insult someone for being afraid; it is not a direct translation of 'coward' but a severe insult.
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In certain regions, this word can be used as a very strong and offensive insult, sometimes implying weakness or cowardice, but it has many other vulgar meanings.
Learn more →koh-BAR-dehkoˈβarðe
Examples
No seas un cobarde y enfrenta tus miedos de una vez.
Don't be a coward and face your fears right away.
Todos la llamaron cobarde cuando se negó a saltar.
Everyone called her a coward when she refused to jump.
Matching the person
When 'cobarde' refers to a person (the noun), you must match the article to the person's gender: 'el cobarde' (male) or 'la cobarde' (female).
Mixing the article
Mistake: “Ella es un cobarde.”
Correction: Ella es una cobarde.
gah-YEE-nahɡaˈʎina
Examples
¡No seas gallina! Tienes que decirle la verdad.
Don't be a coward! You have to tell her the truth.
Él es una gallina; nunca se atreve a probar nada nuevo.
He is a chicken; he never dares to try anything new.
Fixed Gender Insult
When used to mean 'coward,' 'gallina' is always feminine, even if you are talking about a man. You say 'Él es una gallina,' not 'un gallino'.
ratón
Examples
¡No seas un ratón! Atrévete a probar la montaña rusa.
Don't be a scaredy-cat! Dare to try the roller coaster.
maricón
Examples
No seas maricón y salta al agua.
Don't be a pussy and jump in the water.
POO-tohˈpu.to
Examples
Le gritaron insultos desde el coche.
They yelled slurs at him from the car.
Noun usage
When used as a noun with an article (el puto), it usually refers to a person and carries heavy negative weight.
Direct translation errors
Mistake: “Thinking it only means 'fucking' like in English.”
Correction: In many contexts, especially in Mexico, it is a hateful slur. Be extremely careful.
Avoiding Offensive Language
The most common mistake is using 'maricón' or 'puto' when intending to simply call someone a coward. These are highly offensive slurs, not direct translations, and can cause serious offense. Stick to 'cobarde' or 'gallina' unless you are certain of the highly informal and potentially offensive context.
Related Translations
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