Spanish word

quetzal

Pronunciation

IPA/ketˈθal/

Meaning

  • masculine nounquetzal

Example

¿Has visto un quetzal?

Have you seen a quetzal?

Illustration for quetzal (quetzal)

More examples

En Guatemala, el quetzal es la moneda nacional.

In Guatemala, the quetzal is the national currency.

Core concept

Tropical Central American bird with iridescent green and red plumage and very long ornamental tail plumes.

Common phrases

  • ave quetzal

    quetzal bird

  • moneda quetzal

    quetzal currency

  • pluma de quetzal

    quetzal plume

Similar words

ave: Feathered animal that uses wings to fly.
pájaro: Smaller bird often seen around towns, farms, and gardens.

Definition in Spanish

Ave tropical de Centroamérica de plumaje brillante y cola larga, apreciada por su belleza y frecuentemente citada como emblema nacional de Guatemala.

Word origin

The Spanish word comes from Nahuatl quetzalli 'plumed feather' and names the bird whose long tail plumes were prized in Mesoamerica and later serves as a Guatemalan national symbol.

Usage tips

  • The 'tz' cluster is pronounced as a single /ts/ sound and the word is stressed on the final syllable.

Word lists with this word