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

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/komaˈðɾe.xa/

Translation Options into English

• Weasel
• Stoat (specifically refers to the species Mustela erminea)

Meaning and Usage

In the Spanish language, "comadreja" refers to a small carnivorous mammal belonging to the family Mustelidae, characterized by its elongated body and short legs. The term can also be used in colloquial expressions to describe a deceitful or cunning person.

The usage of "comadreja" varies, with its primary meaning being biological in nature. It sees frequent use in both written texts concerning zoology and oral speech in colloquial contexts, especially when used metaphorically.

Example Sentences

• La comadreja es un animal muy astuto que caza pequeños roedores.

• The weasel is a very cunning animal that preys on small rodents.

• A José le dicen comadreja porque siempre trata de sacar ventaja de los demás.

• They call José a weasel because he always tries to gain an advantage over others.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Comadreja" appears in several idiomatic expressions within the Spanish language, often alluding to cunning or deceitful behavior.

Example Idiomatic Expressions

• "Ser más astuto que una comadreja."
• To be more cunning than a weasel.
• Uso: Ella es más astuta que una comadreja en los negocios.

• Usage: She is more cunning than a weasel in business.

• "Hacer algo como comadreja."

• To do something in a sneaky or deceitful manner.
• Uso: Empezó a hacer sus trabajos como comadreja para evitar el esfuerzo.

• Usage: He started doing his work like a weasel to avoid putting in effort.

• "Encontrar un comadreja en el gallinero."

• To find a weasel in the henhouse (meaning to discover a traitor or someone deceitful).
• Uso: Ayer sorprendí a un comadreja en el gallinero, robando información.
• Usage: Yesterday, I caught a weasel in the henhouse, stealing information.

Etymology

The word "comadreja" comes from the Latin term "mŭstēla," which means "weasel." It evolved through the Vulgar Latin form into the forms found in various Romance languages.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Mustela - Gamusino (colloquial in some regions, but refers to a mythical creature)

Antonyms: - En la biología, no hay antónimos directos ya que "comadreja" se refiere a una especie concreta.

In colloquial expression, you might consider "honesto" (honest) as an antonym when used metaphorically to describe a person's character.