Inklingo

How to Say "cowards" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cobardes

koh-BAR-des/koˈβarðes/

nounB1general
Use 'cobardes' for a direct and general term referring to people who lack courage, especially in a serious or critical situation.
An illustration depicting five individuals standing frozen and anxious, refusing to walk across a small, easily manageable wooden plank over a tiny, shallow ditch, representing a group of cowards.

Examples

Los cobardes se escondieron en lugar de ayudar.

The cowards hid instead of helping.

¡No seáis cobardes! Enfrentad la situación.

Don't be cowards! Face the situation.

Using the Article

When used as a noun, cobardes requires a definite or indefinite article (like 'los' or 'unos') if it is the subject of the sentence, just like any other plural noun.

gallinas

/gah-YEE-nahs//ɡaˈʝinas/

nounB1informal
Use 'gallinas' in informal or playful contexts to describe people who are afraid to do something, often implying they are acting timidly or excessively cautiously.
A small figure hiding behind a large tree, looking out with a worried expression.

Examples

No sean gallinas, el agua no está tan fría.

Don't be chickens, the water isn't that cold.

Ellos son unos gallinas y no quisieron entrar a la casa vieja.

They are cowards and didn't want to go into the old house.

The 'Hidden' Gender

When calling someone a 'gallina' (coward), the word stays feminine even if you are talking about a group of men. You say 'ellos son unos gallinas'.

Choosing Between 'Cobardes' and 'Gallinas'

Learners often confuse 'cobardes' and 'gallinas' by using the informal 'gallinas' in serious situations where 'cobardes' is appropriate. Remember, 'cobardes' is the direct translation for 'cowards', while 'gallinas' is more like calling someone a 'chicken' in English.

Related Translations

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