Spanish word

mariposa

Pronunciation

IPA/maɾiˈposa/

Meaning

  • feminine nounbutterfly

Example

Veo una mariposa en el jardín.

I see a butterfly in the garden.

Illustration for mariposa (butterfly)

More examples

Tengo mariposas en el estómago antes de empezar la presentación.

I have butterflies in my stomach before starting the presentation.

Core concept

Delicate daytime insect with colorful wings that feeds on flower nectar.

Common phrases

  • tener mariposas en el estómago

    have butterflies in one's stomach

  • especies de mariposas

    butterfly species

Similar words

insecto: Small six-legged animal with many species found worldwide.
abeja: Small winged insect that collects nectar and pollen, often living in social colonies.
mosquito: Small slender insect whose females bite to suck blood from humans or animals.
polilla: Nocturnal winged insect often seen at lights at night, with muted wing colors.

Definition in Spanish

Insecto diurno de cuerpo ligero y dos pares de alas generalmente coloridas, que se posa en flores para alimentarse de néctar.

Word origin

From medieval Iberian Romance; exact origin uncertain, and the folk etymology linking it to María + posar lacks evidence.

Usage tips

  • Feminine noun used with la/una, the idiom tener mariposas en el estómago expresses nervous excitement, and in swimming mariposa names the butterfly stroke (el estilo mariposa).

Other meanings

  • butterfly strokenoun

Opposites

  • polillamothnoun

Related words

  • maripositalittle butterflynoun

Word lists with this word