Spanish · Nature, Animals & Weather

"Butterfly" in Spanish: mariposa

la mariposa

Say it: mah-ree-POH-sahfeminine · la mariposanoun/maɾiˈpo.sa/

A butterfly is la mariposa (mah-ree-POH-sah). It is feminine: una mariposa, las mariposas. Garden talk loves mariposas de colores.

In a garden

La mariposa vuela sobre las flores.
The butterfly flies over the flowers.
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How to pronounce mariposa

Say it

mah-ree-POH-sah

/maɾiˈpo.sa/

mah-ree-POH-sah. Stress POH. Soft s. Say mariposa in four clear parts.

"Butterfly" in Spanish: quick reference

SpanishEnglish
la mariposathe butterfly

Default feminine noun.

las mariposasthe butterflies

Plural.

la mariposa monarcathe monarch butterfly

Famous migratory species.

el aleteo de la mariposathe butterfly's wingbeat

Describing flight.

How to use mariposa in real life

  1. 1In a garden

    La mariposa vuela sobre las flores.

    The butterfly flies over the flowers.

    La mariposa as subject.

  2. 2Pointing

    Mira esa mariposa naranja.

    Look at that orange butterfly.

    Esa mariposa points to one.

  3. 3A group

    Hay muchas mariposas hoy.

    There are many butterflies today.

    Mariposas is the plural.

Mistakes English speakers make with mariposa

Incorrect: El mariposa es azul.

Correct: La mariposa es azul.

Mariposa is feminine. Use la mariposa.

Incorrect: Vi un mariposa grande.

Correct: Vi una mariposa grande.

Use una mariposa. Match feminine gender.

Good to know

Mariposa is a favorite nature word for kids. Mexico is famous for the mariposa monarca migration. Gardens and parks fill with mariposas in warm months.

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Watching butterflies in a garden

  1. ChatPal

    ¿Ves la mariposa amarilla?

    Do you see the yellow butterfly?

  2. You

    Sí. La mariposa es preciosa.

    Yes. The butterfly is beautiful.

  3. ChatPal

    Se posó en esa flor.

    It landed on that flower.

  4. You

    No me muevo mucho.

    I won't move much.

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"Butterfly" in other languages

FAQ

Common questions about "Butterfly" in Spanish

Is mariposa masculine or feminine?

Feminine: la mariposa, una mariposa, las mariposas.

How do you pronounce mariposa?

mah-ree-POH-sah with stress on POH.

What is a monarch butterfly in Spanish?

La mariposa monarca.

How do I say butterflies in the plural?

Las mariposas.

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  4. Step 4: Use it in real scenarios

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