cocodrilo (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/kokoˈðɾilo/

Translation Options into English

• Crocodile

Meaning and Usage

The term cocodrilo refers to a large reptile found in tropical regions, known for its long snout, powerful jaws, and ability to live both in water and on land. In Spanish, it is used predominantly in zoological contexts, but can also appear in colloquial idioms or metaphors.

• Frequency of Use: The term is commonly used in both oral and written contexts. It is familiar to Spanish speakers primarily due to media, education, and nature-related discussions.

Example Sentences

1. El cocodrilo es un depredador temido en los ríos de Sudamérica.
   The crocodile is a feared predator in the rivers of South America.

2. En el zoológico, vimos un cocodrilo tomando el sol en la orilla de su estanque.
   At the zoo, we saw a crocodile sunbathing on the edge of its pond.

3. La piel del cocodrilo se utiliza para hacer artículos de lujo como bolsos y zapatos.
   The skin of the crocodile is used to make luxury items like bags and shoes.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "cocodrilo" isn't frequently used in many idiomatic expressions, it does appear in a few colloquial phrases and sayings:

1. Tener el corazón de un cocodrilo
   To have the heart of a crocodile
   Meaning: To be tough or unemotional.
   Example: Ella siempre toma decisiones difíciles; tiene el corazón de un cocodrilo.
   She always makes tough decisions; she has the heart of a crocodile.

2. Llorar como un cocodrilo
   To cry like a crocodile
   Meaning: To feign sorrow or to cry hypocritically.
   Example: Cuando se fue, lloró como un cocodrilo; en realidad, no le importaba.
   When he left, she cried like a crocodile; she didn't actually care.

3. Más vale un cocodrilo en la mano que dos en el agua
   Better a crocodile in hand than two in the water
   Meaning: Better to have something certain than to hope for something better that may not come.
   Example: A veces hay que conformarse; más vale un cocodrilo en la mano que dos en el agua.
   Sometimes you have to settle; better a crocodile in hand than two in the water.

Etymology

The word cocodrilo comes from the Latin word "crocodīlus," which in turn originates from the Ancient Greek "κροκόδειλος" (krokódeilos). The term refers to the crocodile family, which has ancient roots in Egyptian and broader Mediterranean cultures.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Crocodilo (archaic spelling in some regions) - Reptil (reptile, more general)

Antonyms: - Ninguno específico, dado que "cocodrilo" se refiere a un tipo particular de reptil. En un sentido más amplio, cualquier animal que no pertenezca al grupo de reptiles podría considerarse antónimo, aunque no sea un antónimo perfecto.

This comprehensive overview of the term cocodrilo captures its linguistic, cultural, and contextual richness in the Spanish language.