elefante 30秒で

  • The Spanish word for elephant is <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> (masculine noun).
  • It's a cognate, meaning it's very similar to the English word 'elephant'.
  • Used when discussing large animals, zoos, wildlife, and in children's stories.
  • Remember masculine articles: 'el <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark>', 'un <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark>'.
The Spanish word elefante refers to the majestic and enormous mammal known in English as an elephant. This is a direct cognate, meaning the words are very similar in both languages, which can be helpful for English speakers learning Spanish. You will encounter the word elefante in a variety of contexts, primarily when discussing animals, wildlife, zoos, safaris, or even in children's stories and educational materials. Its size and distinctive features – the trunk, tusks, and large ears – make it an easily recognizable animal, and thus the word elefante is fairly common when these topics arise. For instance, if you are talking about a trip to the zoo and seeing large animals, you might say, "Vimos un elefante muy grande." (We saw a very big elephant.) In educational settings, especially for young children learning about animals, elefante is a fundamental vocabulary word. The sheer scale of an elephant means it often features in discussions about nature's wonders or in comparisons to emphasize something else's size. For example, a sentence like "La casa era tan grande como un elefante" (The house was as big as an elephant) uses the animal metaphorically to describe immense size. It's a word that evokes images of strength, memory, and a gentle giant, making it a rich subject for language learning. The Spanish word elefante is a masculine noun, so it will always be preceded by masculine articles like 'el' or 'un'. Understanding this grammatical gender is crucial for correct usage. The plural form is elefantes. When you see or hear about these magnificent creatures in Spanish-speaking cultures, the word elefante will be your go-to term. It’s a word that’s straightforward to learn due to its direct link to the English word and the universally recognized animal it represents. Whether you're discussing wildlife documentaries, planning a hypothetical trip to Africa, or reading a children's book, the word elefante will be a useful addition to your Spanish vocabulary. Its presence in popular culture, from cartoons to educational programs, further solidifies its importance for learners. The sound of the word itself, with its clear syllables, makes it relatively easy to pronounce and remember. Spanish speakers use elefante in simple declarative sentences about animals, in more complex descriptions of ecosystems, and even in figurative language to convey magnitude. It's a word that bridges cultural understanding through the shared recognition of a remarkable animal. So, when you encounter this large, gray mammal in a Spanish context, you'll know exactly what it's called: un elefante. It’s a foundational word for anyone interested in animals or natural history in Spanish. Remember that the article used will always be masculine, reflecting the noun's gender. This is a consistent rule in Spanish grammar that applies to elefante and many other nouns. The visual of an elephant is so strong that it aids recall of the word elefante. It’s a word that opens doors to conversations about the natural world and the diverse fauna that inhabits our planet. Learning elefante is a step towards understanding Spanish vocabulary related to zoology and conservation. Its international recognition makes it a universally understood concept, and the Spanish word elefante is the key to discussing it in Spanish.
Using the word elefante in Spanish sentences is quite straightforward, especially given its direct English equivalent. As a masculine noun, it consistently pairs with masculine articles and adjectives. For basic descriptions, you can say: "El elefante es un animal muy grande." (The elephant is a very large animal.) This sentence uses the definite article 'el' and the masculine adjective 'grande'. When referring to an unspecified elephant, you would use the indefinite article 'un': "Vi un elefante en el zoológico." (I saw an elephant at the zoo.) This is a common A1-level construction. Moving to more descriptive sentences, you can incorporate adjectives that agree in gender and number. For example: "El elefante africano tiene orejas más grandes." (The African elephant has larger ears.) Here, 'africano' is a masculine adjective modifying 'elefante'. For the plural form, elefantes, adjectives must also be plural: "Los elefantes asiáticos son más pequeños que los africanos." (Asian elephants are smaller than African ones.) Notice the plural 'asiáticos' and 'africanos'. You can also use elefante in sentences that express actions or states. For instance, when talking about their diet: "El elefante come mucha hierba y hojas." (The elephant eats a lot of grass and leaves.) The verb 'come' (eats) is in the third person singular, agreeing with 'el elefante'. In more complex sentences, elefante can be part of a subordinate clause or used in comparisons. For example: "Me contaron una historia sobre un elefante que podía hablar." (They told me a story about an elephant that could talk.) Here, 'que podía hablar' is a relative clause describing the elephant. Figurative language is also common: "Su mochila pesaba como un elefante." (His backpack weighed like an elephant.) This uses elefante to emphasize extreme weight. When discussing the animal's characteristics, you might say: "El elefante tiene una trompa muy larga y fuerte." (The elephant has a very long and strong trunk.) The adjective 'fuerte' (strong) is masculine and singular. In sentences about behavior, you could write: "Los elefantes son conocidos por su buena memoria." (Elephants are known for their good memory.) The possessive adjective 'su' (their) agrees with the plural 'elefantes'. When asking questions, the structure remains similar: "¿Has visto alguna vez un elefante en estado salvaje?" (Have you ever seen an elephant in the wild?) The use of the interrogative 'alguna vez' (ever) is common in such questions. Finally, when expressing admiration or wonder: "¡Qué animal tan impresionante es el elefante!" (What an impressive animal the elephant is!) The exclamation '¡Qué... tan...!' is a common structure for expressing admiration. Mastering these sentence structures will allow you to effectively incorporate elefante into your Spanish conversations and writing. Remember to always consider the gender and number agreement for articles and adjectives.
The word elefante is heard in numerous real-world scenarios, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries with significant wildlife or a strong connection to animals. Zoos are prime locations where you'll frequently encounter this word. Visitors, especially children, will point and exclaim, "¡Mira, un elefante!" (Look, an elephant!). Zookeepers and educational staff often use the term during presentations or when describing the animals. In countries like Spain, Mexico, or Argentina, where zoos are popular family destinations, elefante is a common word in casual conversation about animals. Beyond zoos, wildlife documentaries and nature programs broadcast in Spanish will extensively feature the word elefante. Narrators will describe their habitats, behaviors, and conservation status using this term. For instance, a documentary about African wildlife might state, "El elefante africano es el mamífero terrestre más grande." (The African elephant is the largest land mammal.) Children's television shows and educational cartoons often use elefante as part of their animal-themed vocabulary lessons. Think of songs or stories where an elefante character plays a role. In regions where elephants are native or have historical significance, the word elefante might appear in local folklore, proverbs, or even place names, though this is less common than in direct animal discussions. Travel agencies and tour operators promoting safaris or wildlife tours to places like Kenya or India will undoubtedly use elefante in their marketing materials and when briefing tourists. "Embárquese en un safari para ver el elefante en su hábitat natural." (Embark on a safari to see the elephant in its natural habitat.) Educational books for children learning Spanish will prominently feature elefante. These books often include illustrations and simple sentences designed for early language acquisition. Even in casual conversations among friends or family, if the topic turns to animals, particularly large or exotic ones, someone might mention seeing an elefante or discussing their characteristics. The word's clear pronunciation and direct association with a universally known animal make it easily recognizable and frequently used. Whether you are in a classroom learning Spanish, watching a nature program, or visiting a zoo in a Spanish-speaking country, the word elefante will be a familiar and useful term. It's a word that connects you directly to discussions about the natural world and its most impressive creatures. The sheer presence of elephants in popular culture, from children's stories to symbolic representations of strength, ensures that the word elefante is regularly heard and seen in various media. It's a staple for anyone interested in zoology or simply engaging in conversations about animals in Spanish.
While elefante is a relatively simple word for English speakers due to its cognate status, there are a few common pitfalls learners might encounter. The most frequent mistake relates to grammatical gender. Since elefante is a masculine noun, using feminine articles or adjectives with it is incorrect. For example, saying "la elefante" or "la elefante grande" would be grammatically wrong. The correct forms are "el elefante" and "el elefante grande." Learners might also mistakenly apply the plural form when referring to a single elephant, or vice versa. For instance, using "los elefante" for one elephant or "un elefantes" for multiple elephants would be errors. The correct singular is 'el elefante' and the correct plural is 'los elefantes' or 'unos elefantes'. Another potential error, though less common, is mispronunciation. While the word is cognate, subtle differences in vowel sounds or stress can occur. For instance, ensuring the 'e' sounds are clear and the stress falls on the penultimate syllable ('e-le-FAN-te') is important for native-like pronunciation. Some learners might struggle with the 'f' sound or the 't' sound, but these are generally minor issues. Overgeneralizing pronunciation rules from English can lead to slight inaccuracies. A more conceptual mistake might involve using elefante in contexts where it doesn't fit. For example, while it can be used metaphorically for size, applying it to abstract concepts without proper justification could sound awkward. For instance, saying "su problema era un elefante" (his problem was an elephant) might be understood, but it's not a standard idiom and could be confusing. It's better to use more established comparative phrases if needed. Finally, learners might forget to conjugate verbs correctly when elefante is the subject. For example, writing "El elefante comer" instead of "El elefante come" is a basic verb conjugation error. Similarly, for the plural: "Los elefantes comen" not "Los elefantes come". Paying close attention to gender agreement, number agreement, and verb conjugation are key to avoiding these common mistakes when using the word elefante.
While elefante is the standard and most common word for 'elephant' in Spanish, there are nuances and related terms to consider. The primary alternative, though less common in everyday speech and more technical or regional, might be related to specific species. For instance, if discussing African elephants specifically, one might hear 'elefante africano' or 'elefante de sabana'. Similarly, for Asian elephants, 'elefante asiático' or 'elefante de la India' are used. However, in general conversation, 'elefante' suffices for both. When talking about baby elephants, the diminutive form is used: 'elefantito' or 'elefantito/a' (though 'elefantito' is more common, reflecting the masculine noun). This is similar to how 'kitten' is used for a baby cat. In terms of broader categories, if you need to refer to large mammals in general, you might use 'mamífero' (mammal) or 'animal terrestre' (land animal), but these are much more general terms. For comparison, if you want to emphasize something's immense size, you might hear phrases like 'grande como una casa' (big as a house) or 'enorme como una montaña' (enormous as a mountain), though 'elefante' itself is often used in similes for size, as discussed before. Related to the word itself, you might encounter words like 'trompa' (trunk), 'colmillo' (tusk), or 'oreja' (ear), which are parts of the elephant. In a more abstract or figurative sense, when discussing memory, the saying 'tener memoria de elefante' (to have the memory of an elephant) is used, directly referencing the animal's reputed excellent memory. There isn't a direct antonym for 'elefante' because it's a specific noun. However, if discussing size, the opposite would be 'ratón' (mouse) or 'hormiga' (ant) for small creatures. The word 'elefante' is quite specific and generally doesn't have close synonyms that mean exactly the same thing in all contexts. However, descriptive phrases can sometimes substitute for it, especially in informal or poetic language, but they wouldn't be direct word-for-word replacements. For instance, instead of saying 'el elefante', one might say 'el paquidermo' (the pachyderm), which is a more scientific term but less commonly used in everyday conversation. 'Elefante' remains the universally understood term.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The word 'elephant' and its cognates in many European languages were borrowed from Greek, which itself likely borrowed the term from a Near Eastern language. This linguistic journey highlights the ancient connections and trade routes that facilitated the spread of knowledge and vocabulary about exotic animals.

発音ガイド

UK /e.leˈfan.te/
US /e.leˈfan.te/
The stress falls on the third-to-last syllable: e-le-FAN-te.
韻が合う語
gigante estudiante amante importante ignorante constante adelante adelante
よくある間違い
  • Incorrect stress placement (e.g., stressing the first syllable).
  • Pronouncing 'e' sounds like English 'ee' (e.g., 'ee-le-FAN-tee').
  • Not fully articulating the final 'e' sound.
  • Adding an 'h' sound before the initial 'e'.

難易度

読解 1/5

The word <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> is easily recognizable for English speakers and typically appears in contexts with straightforward vocabulary, making it easy to understand in reading materials.

ライティング 1/5

Writing the word <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> is simple due to its cognate status. The main challenge is remembering its masculine gender and ensuring correct article/adjective agreement.

スピーキング 1/5

Pronunciation is generally straightforward. The main point is correct stress on the third-to-last syllable and clear vowel sounds. It's an easy word to integrate into spoken Spanish.

リスニング 1/5

The word <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> is phonetically distinct and commonly used, making it easy to identify when heard in spoken Spanish.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

animal grande gris mamífero zoológico

次に学ぶ

trompa colmillo manada sabana selva

上級

paquidermo caza furtiva conservación hábitat biodiversidad

知っておくべき文法

Masculine Noun Gender Agreement

El elefante es grande. (The elephant is big.) - 'El' and 'grande' are masculine.

Plural Nouns and Adjectives

Los elefantes son fuertes. (The elephants are strong.) - 'Elefantes' and 'fuertes' are plural.

Using 'Ser' for Characteristics

El elefante es un mamífero. (The elephant is a mammal.) - 'Ser' is used for inherent qualities.

Using 'Tener' for Possession

El elefante tiene una trompa. (The elephant has a trunk.) - 'Tener' is used for possession of body parts or attributes.

Indefinite Articles (Un/Unos)

Vi un elefante en el circo. (I saw an elephant at the circus.) - 'Un' is used before a singular masculine noun.

レベル別の例文

1

El elefante es grande.

The elephant is big.

Basic adjective agreement (masculine noun, masculine adjective).

2

Vi un elefante en el zoológico.

I saw an elephant at the zoo.

Use of indefinite article 'un' before a masculine noun.

3

Los elefantes son animales fuertes.

Elephants are strong animals.

Plural noun and adjective agreement.

4

El elefante tiene una trompa larga.

The elephant has a long trunk.

Possessive structure 'tener' + noun + adjective.

5

Me gusta el elefante.

I like the elephant.

Using definite article 'el' with a liked noun.

6

Hay un elefante en la selva.

There is an elephant in the jungle.

Use of 'hay' to indicate existence.

7

El elefante come plantas.

The elephant eats plants.

Basic verb conjugation for 'comer'.

8

Es un elefante gris.

It is a gray elephant.

Using 'ser' for characteristics and adjective agreement.

1

El elefante africano es más grande que el asiático.

The African elephant is bigger than the Asian one.

Comparative adjectives and specifying species.

2

Los elefantes tienen una memoria excelente.

Elephants have an excellent memory.

Plural noun with possessive adjective and noun.

3

Mi hermano dibujó un elefante con cinco patas.

My brother drew an elephant with five legs.

Using 'con' for description and a slightly unusual detail.

4

El elefante usa su trompa para beber agua.

The elephant uses its trunk to drink water.

Use of reflexive verb 'usa' and infinitive phrase.

5

En la película, el elefante hablaba.

In the movie, the elephant spoke.

Past tense verb 'hablaba' and context of a movie.

6

Nunca había visto tantos elefantes juntos.

I had never seen so many elephants together.

Past perfect tense and quantifier 'tantos'.

7

El elefante es un mamífero terrestre.

The elephant is a land mammal.

Classification and noun phrase.

8

Los elefantes son animales muy inteligentes.

Elephants are very intelligent animals.

Plural noun with adverb and adjective.

1

Se dice que los elefantes nunca olvidan.

It is said that elephants never forget.

Impersonal 'se' construction and common saying.

2

El elefante es vulnerable a la caza furtiva.

The elephant is vulnerable to poaching.

Use of 'vulnerable a' and specific threat.

3

Los elefantes migran largas distancias en busca de agua y alimento.

Elephants migrate long distances in search of water and food.

Present tense verbs describing habitual actions and purpose clause.

4

El elefante asiático está en peligro de extinción.

The Asian elephant is in danger of extinction.

Specific species and conservation status.

5

La conservación del elefante es crucial para el ecosistema.

The conservation of the elephant is crucial for the ecosystem.

Gerund as subject of sentence and abstract noun usage.

6

Los elefantes se comunican mediante infrasonidos.

Elephants communicate using infrasound.

Use of 'mediante' (by means of) and specific scientific term.

7

El elefante puede vivir hasta 70 años.

The elephant can live up to 70 years.

Expressing lifespan and possibility with 'poder'.

8

En algunas culturas, el elefante simboliza la sabiduría y la fuerza.

In some cultures, the elephant symbolizes wisdom and strength.

Use of 'simbolizar' and abstract nouns.

1

La expansión humana y la pérdida de hábitat amenazan la supervivencia del elefante.

Human expansion and habitat loss threaten the survival of the elephant.

Complex noun phrases and abstract threats.

2

Los elefantes forman complejas estructuras sociales lideradas por una matriarca.

Elephants form complex social structures led by a matriarch.

Use of participle phrase 'lideradas por' and specific social term.

3

El elefante es capaz de sentir empatía por otros miembros de su manada.

The elephant is capable of feeling empathy for other members of its herd.

Expressing capability 'ser capaz de' and abstract emotion.

4

La caza furtiva de marfil sigue siendo un grave problema para la población de elefantes.

The poaching of ivory remains a serious problem for the elephant population.

Use of gerund as subject and specific illegal activity.

5

Los elefantes desempeñan un papel fundamental en la dispersión de semillas.

Elephants play a fundamental role in seed dispersal.

Use of 'desempeñar un papel' and ecological term.

6

Se han implementado programas para proteger al elefante de la extinción.

Programs have been implemented to protect the elephant from extinction.

Passive voice construction and conservation actions.

7

El elefante marino, aunque comparte el nombre, es un tipo de foca.

The elephant seal, although sharing the name, is a type of seal.

Distinguishing between similar names and classification.

8

La inteligencia del elefante se manifiesta en su capacidad para resolver problemas.

The intelligence of the elephant is manifested in its ability to solve problems.

Abstract concepts and nominalization.

1

La intrincada red de relaciones sociales dentro de una manada de elefantes es objeto de estudio científico.

The intricate web of social relationships within an elephant herd is a subject of scientific study.

Complex vocabulary and abstract subject matter.

2

Los elefantes, a pesar de su tamaño, demuestran una notable agilidad y destreza con la trompa.

Elephants, despite their size, demonstrate remarkable agility and dexterity with their trunks.

Use of 'a pesar de' and sophisticated adjectives.

3

La memoria del elefante, a menudo idealizada, juega un papel crucial en su supervivencia y cohesión grupal.

The memory of the elephant, often idealized, plays a crucial role in its survival and group cohesion.

Nuanced description of a well-known trait and its implications.

4

La disminución de elefantes en ciertas regiones tiene repercusiones ecológicas de gran alcance.

The decline of elephants in certain regions has far-reaching ecological repercussions.

Abstract noun phrases and formal vocabulary.

5

La relación simbiótica entre los elefantes y su entorno es un testimonio de la interconexión de la vida.

The symbiotic relationship between elephants and their environment is a testament to the interconnectedness of life.

Complex scientific and philosophical concepts.

6

El elefante es un bioingeniero natural, modificando paisajes de maneras que benefician a otras especies.

The elephant is a natural bioengineer, modifying landscapes in ways that benefit other species.

Metaphorical and descriptive language, specific ecological role.

7

Las complejas vocalizaciones de los elefantes sugieren un lenguaje con matices.

The complex vocalizations of elephants suggest a nuanced language.

Sophisticated description of animal communication.

8

La preservación del elefante es un indicador de la salud de los ecosistemas africanos y asiáticos.

The preservation of the elephant is an indicator of the health of African and Asian ecosystems.

Abstract concepts and ecological indicators.

1

La etología del elefante revela patrones de comportamiento sorprendentemente sofisticados y una profunda capacidad de aprendizaje.

The ethology of the elephant reveals surprisingly sophisticated behavioral patterns and a profound capacity for learning.

Highly specialized vocabulary and complex sentence structure.

2

La aniquilación de poblaciones de elefantes debido a la codicia humana no solo es una tragedia ecológica, sino también moral.

The annihilation of elephant populations due to human greed is not only an ecological tragedy but also a moral one.

Strong emotive language and philosophical implications.

3

La resiliencia del elefante ante la adversidad es un testimonio de su adaptación evolutiva y fortaleza innata.

The resilience of the elephant in the face of adversity is a testament to its evolutionary adaptation and innate strength.

Abstract concepts of resilience, adaptation, and innate qualities.

4

El estudio de la cognición del elefante ha revolucionado nuestra comprensión de la inteligencia animal.

The study of elephant cognition has revolutionized our understanding of animal intelligence.

Advanced scientific terminology and impact statements.

5

La preservación de los corredores migratorios del elefante es un imperativo para mantener la biodiversidad.

The preservation of elephant migration corridors is an imperative for maintaining biodiversity.

Technical terms in conservation and strong declarative statements.

6

La intrínseca capacidad del elefante para la empatía y el duelo plantea interrogantes sobre la conciencia animal.

The elephant's intrinsic capacity for empathy and mourning raises questions about animal consciousness.

Philosophical and psychological implications of animal behavior.

7

La magnitud del desafío que representa la coexistencia entre humanos y elefantes requiere soluciones innovadoras y colaborativas.

The magnitude of the challenge posed by human-elephant coexistence requires innovative and collaborative solutions.

Complex problem statement and call for solutions.

8

La arquitectura social del elefante es un modelo de cooperación y transmisión intergeneracional de conocimiento.

The social architecture of the elephant is a model of cooperation and intergenerational knowledge transfer.

Metaphorical language and complex social dynamics.

よく使う組み合わせ

elefante blanco
memoria de elefante
elefante africano
elefante asiático
elefante bebé
elefante marino
trompa de elefante
caza de elefantes
manada de elefantes
colmillos de elefante

よく使うフレーズ

El elefante es grande.

— This is a simple, declarative sentence stating the elephant's size.

En el zoológico, el elefante es grande y llama la atención.

Vi un elefante.

— This phrase is used to report having seen an elephant.

Hoy en el documental, vi un elefante muy de cerca.

Los elefantes son animales inteligentes.

— This expresses the known intelligence of elephants.

Los elefantes son animales inteligentes, capaces de resolver problemas.

¿Has visto un elefante?

— This is a question asking if someone has ever seen an elephant.

¿Alguna vez has visto un elefante en la naturaleza?

Un elefante blanco.

— Refers to a possession or project that is useless, expensive, and difficult to maintain.

La mansión abandonada se convirtió en un elefante blanco para el ayuntamiento.

Memoria de elefante.

— Describes someone who has an excellent memory.

Mi abuela tiene memoria de elefante, recuerda cada detalle.

El elefante africano.

— Specifically refers to the African species of elephant.

El elefante africano es conocido por sus grandes orejas.

Un elefante bebé.

— Refers to a young or baby elephant.

Qué tierno es un elefante bebé.

La trompa del elefante.

— Refers to the elephant's trunk.

La trompa del elefante es muy útil para agarrar cosas.

Una manada de elefantes.

— Refers to a group or herd of elephants.

Vimos una gran manada de elefantes en el parque nacional.

よく混同される語

elefante vs Elefante marino

While it shares the 'elefante' name, this refers to a large seal, not a land elephant. The confusion arises from the shared name due to size and the male's nasal appendage.

elefante vs Paquidermo

This is a broader scientific term for thick-skinned mammals, including elephants, rhinoceroses, and hippos. It's not a direct synonym but a classification.

elefante vs Elefante blanco

This is an idiomatic expression for a useless, costly possession, not the animal itself. The confusion is semantic, not lexical.

慣用句と表現

"Elefante blanco"

— An 'elefante blanco' (white elephant) is a possession that is useless or troublesome, especially one that is expensive to maintain or difficult to dispose of. It often refers to large, costly public projects that fail to serve their intended purpose.

El nuevo estadio, que costó millones y apenas se usa, se ha convertido en un elefante blanco.

Figurative/Informal
"Tener memoria de elefante"

— This idiom means to have an exceptionally good memory, capable of remembering many details over a long period. It plays on the popular belief that elephants have remarkable memories.

No te preocupes por olvidar la fecha, él tiene memoria de elefante y se acordará.

Figurative/Common
"Como elefante en cacharrería"

— To behave clumsily, awkwardly, and without tact, like an elephant in a shop full of fragile pottery. It describes someone who causes disruption or damage through their lack of grace or consideration.

Intentó ayudar a arreglar la mesa, pero entró como elefante en cacharrería y tiró todo.

Figurative/Informal
"Ponerse como un elefante"

— This phrase is less common and can have a few interpretations, but often relates to becoming very angry or stubborn, or sometimes, to becoming very large or overweight.

Cuando le dijeron que no podía ir, se puso como un elefante, muy enfadado.

Figurative/Informal
"El elefante en la habitación"

— This idiom refers to an obvious, major problem or controversial issue that is present but is avoided as it is uncomfortable to discuss.

Nadie habla de la deuda del país, es el elefante en la habitación.

Figurative/Common
"Poca cosa para un elefante"

— Something that is very easy or insignificant for someone, implying they are very capable or strong, like an elephant easily handling a small task.

Mover esa caja es poca cosa para un elefante como tú.

Figurative/Informal
"Ser un elefante"

— Can mean to be very large, clumsy, or strong, depending on context.

Ten cuidado al caminar, pareces un elefante en una tienda de porcelana.

Figurative/Informal
"Elefante marino"

— This is the name for a type of large seal, characterized by the male's large, inflatable nose resembling a trunk. It shares the 'elephant' name due to size and the male's nasal appendage.

El elefante marino macho tiene una trompa distintiva.

Zoological/Specific
"Un peso de elefante"

— Referring to something extremely heavy.

Esa roca tiene un peso de elefante, no podremos moverla.

Figurative/Descriptive
"Encontrarse como un elefante"

— Similar to 'como elefante en cacharrería', implying being out of place or causing disruption.

En la reunión elegante, se sentía como un elefante fuera de lugar.

Figurative/Informal

間違えやすい

elefante vs Elefante marino

Shares the word 'elefante' and implies large size.

An <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> is a land mammal, while an <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> marino is a type of seal. The latter's name comes from its large size and the male's trunk-like nose.

El <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> camina por la sabana, mientras que el <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> marino nada en el océano.

elefante vs Paquidermo

Both refer to large, thick-skinned animals.

<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>Elefante</mark> is specific to the elephant species. 'Paquidermo' is a broader zoological term that includes elephants but also rhinoceroses and hippopotamuses.

Un <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> es un paquidermo, pero no todos los paquidermos son <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefantes</mark>.

elefante vs Trompa

It's a key body part of an elephant and often mentioned together.

'<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>Trompa</mark>' refers specifically to the elephant's trunk. '<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>Elefante</mark>' is the entire animal.

La <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>trompa</mark> es la nariz alargada del <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark>.

elefante vs Colmillo

It's another prominent feature of elephants, particularly males.

'<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>Colmillo</mark>' refers to the tusk, which is a modified incisor tooth. '<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>Elefante</mark>' is the animal that possesses them.

Los <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefantes</mark> a veces tienen <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>colmillo</mark>s largos.

elefante vs Elefante blanco

Shares the word 'elefante' and is a common idiomatic expression.

'<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>Elefante</mark>' refers to the animal. '<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>Elefante</mark> blanco' is an idiom for a useless, expensive possession.

Construyeron un estadio enorme que nadie usa, es un <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> blanco, no un <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> animal.

文型パターン

A1

El/Un + <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> + es + adjective.

El <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> es grande.

A1

Vi + un/el + <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark>.

Vi un <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> en el zoo.

A2

Los + <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefantes</mark> + tienen + noun phrase.

Los <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefantes</mark> tienen trompas largas.

A2

El <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> + usa + su + noun phrase.

El <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> usa su trompa para comer.

B1

Se dice que + los + <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefantes</mark> + verb.

Se dice que los <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefantes</mark> nunca olvidan.

B1

El <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> + es + vulnerable a + noun.

El <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> es vulnerable a la caza furtiva.

B2

La + noun phrase + amenaza + a + el/los + <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark>(s).

La pérdida de hábitat amenaza a los <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefantes</mark>.

C1

Los <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefantes</mark>, a pesar de + noun phrase, + verb phrase.

Los <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefantes</mark>, a pesar de su tamaño, demuestran agilidad.

語族

名詞

elefante
elefantito
elefantiasis

形容詞

elefantino

関連

trompa
colmillo
paquidermo
mamífero
sabana

使い方

frequency

High (in relevant contexts like animals, nature, zoos).

よくある間違い
  • Using feminine articles or adjectives. Using masculine articles and adjectives.

    Learners might incorrectly say 'la <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark>' or 'la <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> grande'. <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>Elefante</mark> is masculine, so it should be 'el <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark>' and 'el <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> grande'.

  • Incorrect pluralization. Using '<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefantes</mark>' for plural.

    Saying 'los <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark>' or 'un <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefantes</mark>' is wrong. The correct plural is '<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefantes</mark>', so it should be 'los <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefantes</mark>' and 'unos <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefantes</mark>'.

  • Misplacing stress in pronunciation. Stress on the third-to-last syllable.

    Saying 'EH-leh-fante' or 'ele-FAN-tee' is incorrect. The stress is on 'FAN': e-le-FAN-te. Practicing this rhythm is key.

  • Confusing the literal animal with the idiom. Understanding context to distinguish between the animal and idiomatic meanings.

    Using '<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark>' literally means the animal. Using it in phrases like 'elefante blanco' or 'memoria de <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark>' requires understanding the idiomatic meaning.

  • Using it metaphorically for minor size/weight. Using '<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark>' for significant size/impact.

    While '<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark>' can be used metaphorically for size, saying 'Mi bolso pesa como un <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark>' for a slightly heavy bag might be an exaggeration. It's best for truly immense or impactful things.

ヒント

Remember Masculine Gender

The word elefante is masculine. Always use masculine articles ('el', 'un') and adjectives ('grande', 'fuerte') when referring to it. For example, 'el elefante fuerte'.

Stress the Right Syllable

The stress in elefante falls on the third-to-last syllable: e-le-FAN-te. Practice saying it clearly: 'eh-leh-FAHN-teh'.

Cognate Advantage

Since elefante is a cognate of 'elephant', you already know how it looks and its general meaning. Focus on its Spanish grammatical gender and pronunciation.

Use in Simple Sentences

Start by using elefante in basic sentences like 'Yo vi un elefante.' or 'El elefante es grande.'

Learn Idiomatic Uses

Familiarize yourself with common idioms like 'memoria de elefante' and 'elefante blanco' to understand cultural nuances and advanced usage.

Plural Form

The plural of elefante is elefantes. Remember to adjust articles and adjectives accordingly: 'los elefantes grandes'.

Related Terms

Expand your vocabulary by learning related terms like 'trompa' (trunk), 'colmillo' (tusk), and 'manada' (herd).

Write Sentences

Practice writing sentences using elefante. Try describing its features, its habitat, or its behavior. For example: 'El elefante asiático tiene orejas más pequeñas.'

Cultural Significance

Understand that in some cultures, elephants symbolize wisdom and strength. This cultural context can enrich your understanding and use of the word elefante.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of an 'elegant' animal that is also 'fantastically' large - an elefante. The 'ele-' sounds like 'elegant', and '-fante' sounds like 'fantastically' huge.

視覚的連想

Picture a huge, gray elephant with large ears. Imagine it's wearing a crown and saying '¡Hola!' in a deep voice. The size and the friendly greeting help reinforce the word elefante.

Word Web

Animal Mammal Large Gray Trunk Tusks Ears Zoo Safari Africa Asia Memory Strength Gentle

チャレンジ

Try to describe an elephant using only Spanish words you know, including elefante, 'grande', 'gris', 'trompa', and 'orejas'. See how many descriptive sentences you can form.

語源

The Spanish word elefante comes from Latin 'elephantus', which in turn derives from the Greek word 'elephas' (ἐλέφας). This Greek word is thought to have originated from a Semitic source, possibly Phoenician 'ʾilp' (meaning 'ox' or 'large beast'), or even from an Afro-Asiatic language.

元の意味: The ultimate origin is debated, but it likely referred to a large, powerful animal, possibly related to bovine terms in Semitic languages, or simply a descriptive term for a massive creature in ancient tongues.

Indo-European (via Greek and Latin) / Afro-Asiatic (possible ultimate source)

文化的な背景

When discussing elephants, especially in contexts related to conservation or historical exploitation (like ivory trade), it's important to be sensitive to the challenges these animals face. The word elefante itself is neutral, but the surrounding discussion might involve sensitive topics.

In English-speaking cultures, elephants are also widely recognized symbols of size, strength, and memory, often appearing in children's stories and as metaphors for large, unaddressed issues ('the elephant in the room'). The Spanish idiom 'elefante blanco' has a direct parallel in English.

Ganesha (Hindu deity, elephant-headed god of wisdom and success). Dumbo (Disney character, a young circus elephant who can fly). The phrase 'elefante blanco' (white elephant) used for costly, useless projects.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Talking about animals at the zoo.

  • ¿Has visto el <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark>?
  • El <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> es muy grande.
  • Me gusta el <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark>.

Discussing wildlife documentaries or safaris.

  • El <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> africano.
  • Vimos una manada de <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefantes</mark>.
  • Los <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefantes</mark> viven en la sabana.

Reading children's books about animals.

  • El <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> juega.
  • Un <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefantito</mark> simpático.
  • El <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> tiene una trompa larga.

Using figurative language for size or memory.

  • Como un <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark>.
  • Memoria de <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark>.
  • Un <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> blanco.

Learning about zoology or conservation.

  • El <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> en peligro.
  • La conservación del <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark>.
  • El <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> asiático vs. africano.

会話のきっかけ

"¿Alguna vez has visto un elefante en persona?"

"Si pudieras tener un elefante como mascota, ¿qué nombre le pondrías?"

"¿Cuál es tu animal favorito, y por qué te gusta tanto, quizás como te gusta el elefante?"

"¿Crees que los elefantes realmente tienen tan buena memoria como dicen?"

"¿Qué harías si te encontraras un elefante en tu jardín?"

日記のテーマ

Describe tu animal favorito, usando la palabra <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> si es pertinente, o compáralo con un <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> en tamaño o fuerza.

Escribe una historia corta sobre un <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> que vive en una ciudad.

Reflexiona sobre el significado de 'memoria de <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark>' en tu propia vida. ¿Hay algo que recuerdes especialmente bien?

Imagina que eres un <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefante</mark> por un día. ¿Qué harías y qué verías?

Investiga sobre la conservación de los <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>elefantes</mark> y escribe un párrafo sobre la importancia de protegerlos.

よくある質問

10 問

The plural of elefante is elefantes. For example, 'un elefante' (one elephant) becomes 'dos elefantes' (two elephants).

Elefante is a masculine noun in Spanish. This means you will use masculine articles like 'el' or 'un' and masculine adjectives when referring to it. For example, 'el elefante grande'.

Yes, elefante is used in several idioms. The most common are 'elefante blanco' (a useless, expensive possession) and 'tener memoria de elefante' (to have a great memory). Another is 'como elefante en cacharrería' (to be clumsy).

You can say 'bebé elefante', but the more common and affectionate term is 'elefantito'. For example, 'El elefantito juega con su madre.'

The pronunciation is generally not difficult. The word is 'eh-leh-FAHN-teh', with stress on the third-to-last syllable. The main points to remember are the clear Spanish vowel sounds and the correct stress pattern, which is quite regular for words ending in '-e'.

Elefante is used when talking about the animal itself, in zoos, wildlife documentaries, children's stories, and in idiomatic expressions related to size, memory, or burdensome possessions.

Yes, there are differences. 'Elefante africano' refers to the African elephant, which is generally larger and has bigger ears than the 'elefante asiático'. The Asian elephant also has a different head shape and ear structure.

The plural is written as elefantes. You simply add an 's' to the singular form, which is a common rule for nouns ending in a vowel in Spanish.

While elephant meat is consumed in some parts of the world, it is not a common or culturally significant food item in most Spanish-speaking countries. Therefore, the word elefante is rarely, if ever, used in the context of typical Spanish cuisine.

'Elefante blanco' is an idiom referring to a possession or project that is expensive, useless, and difficult to maintain. It's often used for large public works that don't fulfill their purpose, like an unused stadium or a grand but empty building.

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