Spanish word

serpiente

Pronunciation

IPA/seɾˈpjente/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsnake

Example

Ten cuidado, hay una serpiente en el sendero.

Be careful, there is a snake on the trail.

Illustration for serpiente (snake)

More examples

Encontramos una serpiente venenosa durante la excursión.

We found a venomous snake during the excursion.

Core concept

Legless, narrow-bodied reptile covered in overlapping scales that slithers along the ground.

Common phrases

  • serpiente venenosa

    venomous snake

  • mantener distancia de la serpiente

    keep one's distance from the snake

Similar words

culebra: Slender snake commonly found near homes, gardens, and walking paths.
víbora: Venomous snake with long fangs that can inject venom and cause dangerous bites.

Definition in Spanish

Reptil de cuerpo alargado cubierto de escamas que se mueve deslizando sobre el suelo; algunas especies poseen veneno.

Word origin

The word comes from Latin serpēns, the present participle of serpere 'to creep', and enters Spanish via medieval Romance.

Usage tips

  • Serpiente is the neutral, everyday word for any snake, while víbora often implies a poisonous viper and culebra is common in casual speech.

Word lists with this word