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How to Say "shark" in Spanish

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tiburón

NounA2/C1General/Informal
Use 'tiburón' when referring to the actual marine animal, or metaphorically for a ruthless or predatory person, especially in finance (like a loan shark).

Examples

Vimos un documental sobre el tiburón blanco en la televisión.

We saw a documentary about the great white shark on television.

buitre

BWEE-trehˈbwitɾe

NounB2Informal/Figurative
Use 'buitre' to describe a person who exploits or takes advantage of others' misfortune, often in a business or financial context, similar to a 'vulture' capitalist.
A greedy man in a dark suit leaning over a pile of gold coins with a sharp, bird-like expression.

Examples

No seas un buitre y deja algo de comida para los demás.

Don't be a vulture; leave some food for the others.

Esos inversores son unos buitres que buscan empresas en crisis.

Those investors are vultures looking for companies in crisis.

Su exmarido se portó como un buitre con la herencia.

Her ex-husband acted like a vulture regarding the inheritance.

Describing People

When using 'buitre' to describe a person, it's almost always negative. It suggests the person is waiting for someone to fail so they can take something.

Literal translation

Mistake: “Él es muy oportunista, es un pájaro.”

Correction: Él es un buitre. While 'pájaro' just means bird, 'buitre' specifically captures the predatory 'opportunist' vibe.

tigre

TEE-grehˈti.ɣɾe

NounB2Informal/Figurative
Use 'tigre' to describe someone who is extremely aggressive, energetic, or competitive, especially in a work or sports setting, akin to a 'powerhouse' or 'workhorse'.
A simple illustration of a person wearing athletic gear, raising their arms in a victorious pose while standing on a small winner's podium.

Examples

Mi entrenador es un tigre; nos hace correr diez kilómetros todos los días.

My coach is a powerhouse; he makes us run ten kilometers every day.

María es una tigre en la negociación; siempre consigue el mejor precio.

Maria is a shark in negotiations; she always gets the best price.

Figurative Use

When used figuratively to describe a person, the word 'tigre' often keeps its masculine form, even if the person is female (like calling a woman 'un tigre').

Confusing literal and figurative

Mistake: “Using 'tigre' figuratively in a formal setting.”

Correction: This meaning is very informal. Use 'profesional' or 'competente' (competent) instead of 'tigre' in a business report.

Tiburón vs. Buitre vs. Tigre

Learners often confuse 'tiburón' and 'buitre' because both can refer to predatory people. Remember, 'tiburón' is more about ruthlessness and financial predation, while 'buitre' emphasizes exploiting misfortune or weakness.

Related Translations

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