Inklingo

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.

cobarde🔊A2

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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gallina🔊B1

Use 'gallina' informally to call someone a coward, often implying they are scared of something specific and should overcome their fear.

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ratónB1

This is a mild, figurative insult for someone who is timid or easily frightened, similar to calling someone a 'scaredy-cat'.

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maricónC1

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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puto🔊C2

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.

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English → Spanish

cobarde

koh-BAR-dehkoˈβarðe

nounA2
This is the most direct and neutral translation for 'coward', suitable for most general situations where you want to express a lack of bravery.
A simple cartoon character with wide, fearful eyes running away rapidly, looking over their shoulder in panic, despite the path ahead being clear and sunny.

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.

gallina

gah-YEE-nahɡaˈʎina

nounB1informal
Use 'gallina' informally to call someone a coward, often implying they are scared of something specific and should overcome their fear.
A small, worried child hiding partially behind a large rock, looking out with a fearful expression.

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

nounB1informal
This is a mild, figurative insult for someone who is timid or easily frightened, similar to calling someone a 'scaredy-cat'.

Examples

¡No seas un ratón! Atrévete a probar la montaña rusa.

Don't be a scaredy-cat! Dare to try the roller coaster.

maricón

nounC1offensive/slang
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.

Examples

No seas maricón y salta al agua.

Don't be a pussy and jump in the water.

puto

POO-tohˈpu.to

nounC2highly offensive/slang
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.
A person sitting alone on a park bench looking very sad and isolated.

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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