Signification
To be a very talkative person.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, the monk parakeet (cotorra argentina) is an invasive species in cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Their constant noise makes the idiom very literal for urban dwellers. While 'cotorra' is used, 'loro' (parrot) is more common for men. 'Hablar como un loro' is a very frequent variation in the Southern Cone. In Mexico, 'cotorrear' is a very popular verb meaning to hang out, joke around, or chat informally with friends. In countries like Cuba or the Dominican Republic, 'cotorra' can also refer to 'smooth talking' or trying to persuade someone with many words (flattery).
Gender Trap
Never say 'un cotorra' for a man. It's a very common mistake that marks you as a beginner. Stick to 'una'!
Intensify it
Use 'menuda' before 'cotorra' to add emphasis: '¡Menuda cotorra estás hecha!'
Signification
To be a very talkative person.
Gender Trap
Never say 'un cotorra' for a man. It's a very common mistake that marks you as a beginner. Stick to 'una'!
Intensify it
Use 'menuda' before 'cotorra' to add emphasis: '¡Menuda cotorra estás hecha!'
Regional variations
In Argentina, use 'loro'. In Spain, 'cotorra' is perfect. In Mexico, use the verb 'cotorrear' for hanging out.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
Mi tío siempre cuenta las mismas historias, es ______.
Even though 'tío' is masculine, the idiom 'una cotorra' remains feminine.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly in a social context?
A) En el funeral, mi primo fue una cotorra. B) Mi jefa es una cotorra en las reuniones de equipo. C) No me gusta ir al cine con ella porque es una cotorra.
A is disrespectful, B is too informal for a professional setting, C is a perfect informal use.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Amigo 1: '¿Qué tal la cita con Carlos?' Amigo 2: 'Bien, pero no pude decir nada, Carlos ______.'
We use 'ser' to describe a personality trait.
Match the person to the description.
1. Someone who gossips. 2. Someone who talks fast. 3. Someone who repeats everything.
The term is versatile and covers all these types of talkative behavior.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Talkative Idioms
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMi tío siempre cuenta las mismas historias, es ______.
Even though 'tío' is masculine, the idiom 'una cotorra' remains feminine.
A) En el funeral, mi primo fue una cotorra. B) Mi jefa es una cotorra en las reuniones de equipo. C) No me gusta ir al cine con ella porque es una cotorra.
A is disrespectful, B is too informal for a professional setting, C is a perfect informal use.
Amigo 1: '¿Qué tal la cita con Carlos?' Amigo 2: 'Bien, pero no pude decir nada, Carlos ______.'
We use 'ser' to describe a personality trait.
1. Someone who gossips. 2. Someone who talks fast. 3. Someone who repeats everything.
The term is versatile and covers all these types of talkative behavior.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt depends on the tone. Usually, it's a lighthearted jab among friends, but it can be annoying if said to a stranger.
Yes, it's very common to call kids 'cotorras' when they are learning to speak and talk constantly.
A 'cotorra' just talks a lot. A 'charlatán' is someone who talks a lot to deceive people or sell something fake.
No, it primarily means talkative. The gossip meaning is secondary and depends on the context.
No, 'cotorra' is a feminine noun. In some regions, 'loro' is used as a masculine equivalent.
Yes, this is a very common simile that means the same thing as 'ser una cotorra'.
Rarely. It's too informal. Use 'comunicativo' or 'locuaz' instead.
The verb is 'cotorrear', which means to chat or gossip idly.
It is used in both, but the bird itself is more common in Latin America, while the idiom is a staple in Spain.
Yes! 'Soy una cotorra' is a great way to apologize for talking too much.
Expressions liées
Hablar por los codos
synonymTo talk through one's elbows.
Cotorrear
builds onTo chat or gossip.
Ser un bocazas
similarTo be a big-mouth.
No callar ni debajo del agua
similarTo not shut up even underwater.
