Inklingo

How to Say "flies" in Spanish

English → Spanish

moscas

/MO-skahs//ˈmoskas/

nounA1general
Use 'moscas' when referring to the plural form of the insect commonly known as a fly.
A close-up, simple illustration of three common houseflies flying together, showing their large eyes and translucent wings.

Examples

Hay demasiadas moscas en la cocina.

There are too many flies in the kitchen.

Las moscas son atraídas por la fruta madura.

Flies are attracted by ripe fruit.

Gender and Plural

Since the singular word 'mosca' is feminine, its plural 'moscas' must also use feminine articles, like 'las moscas' (the flies) or 'unas moscas' (some flies).

Mixing up the Plural

Mistake:Muchos moscas.

Correction: Muchas moscas. Remember to match the word 'muchas' (many) to the feminine noun 'moscas'.

vuela

BWEH-lahˈbwe.la

verbA1general
Use 'vuela' when referring to the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'volar', meaning 'he/she/it flies'.
A small, brightly colored blue bird soaring high through a clear blue sky, depicted in a simple storybook style.

Examples

El águila vuela muy alto sobre las montañas.

The eagle flies very high over the mountains.

Cuando estás de vacaciones, el tiempo vuela.

When you are on vacation, time flies.

¡Vuela a la cocina y trae la sal!

Fly (run) to the kitchen and bring the salt!

Stem Change: O to UE

The verb volar (to fly) is irregular. In the present tense, the 'o' changes to 'ue' in most forms, except for 'nosotros' and 'vosotros'. This is why we say vuela instead of vola.

Dual Function of 'Vuela'

'Vuela' is used for two important things: 1) To state what 'he, she, or it' does (present indicative). 2) To give an informal command to a friend ('tú' imperative).

Forgetting the Stem Change

Mistake:El pájaro vola.

Correction: The correct form is *El pájaro vuela*. Always remember the 'o' changes to 'ue' when stressed.

Noun vs. Verb Confusion

The most common mistake is using the noun 'moscas' (flies, the insect) when you mean the verb 'vuela' (he/she/it flies). Remember, 'moscas' is always a thing, while 'vuela' is an action performed by a singular subject.

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