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

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/kɔˈjeɾo/

Translation Options into English

• Coyote (the animal)
• Coyote (as in a person who smuggles immigrants)
• Trickster (in cultural contexts)

Meaning and Usage

The term "coyote" has multiple meanings in Spanish:

1. Zoology: Refers to a species of canid indigenous to North America, similar to wolves, recognized for its adaptability, intelligence, and characteristic howls. It is frequently discussed in both scientific contexts and popular culture.

2. Law/Immigration: In Mexico and Central America, "coyote" is a colloquial term for individuals who facilitate the illegal entry of migrants across borders, especially into the United States. This connotation is widespread in news reports and legal discussions regarding immigration.

3. Cultural reference: In folklore, coyotes are often seen as tricksters, embodying cunning and intelligence.

Frequency of use varies, with "coyote" as an animal used often in both written and oral forms, while its use relating to immigration is more common in news and discussions about law.

Example Sentences

1. Coyote:
2. "El coyote aullaba en la noche."

3. "The coyote howled at night."

4. Coyote (smuggler):

5. "El coyote cobró una gran suma para ayudar a los migrantes."

6. "The coyote charged a large sum to help the migrants."

7. Coyote (trickster):

8. "En la leyenda, el coyote es conocido por sus travesuras."
9. "In the legend, the coyote is known for its pranks."

Idiomatic Expressions

The term "coyote" is also used in various idiomatic expressions or contexts:

1. "El coyote de la frontera"
2. Meaning: Referring to someone involved in human trafficking at the border.
3. "Los migrantes temen al coyote de la frontera más que a cualquier otra cosa."

4. "Migrants fear the border coyote more than anything else."

5. "Ser un coyote en la vida"

6. Meaning: To be clever and resourceful in finding ways to succeed, akin to the survivalist nature of the animal.
7. "Ella siempre sabe cómo salir adelante; es una coyote en la vida."

8. "She always knows how to get ahead; she is a coyote in life."

9. "Coyote en el corazón"

10. Meaning: Referring to someone who is adventurous or playful at heart.
11. "A pesar de su edad, sigue siendo un coyote en el corazón."
12. "Despite his age, he is still a coyote at heart."

Etymology

The word "coyote" comes from the Nahuatl word "coyotl". It was adopted into Spanish and later into English, maintaining similar meanings across languages.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• For the animal: lobo (wolf), chacal (jackal)
• For the smuggler: traficante de personas (human trafficker), paseador (guide)

Antonyms

• For the animal: oveja (sheep)
• For the smuggler: defensor (defender, in a legal context)

In summary, "coyote" is a multifaceted term that holds significant importance in various domains such as zoology, law, and culture. Its usage in idiomatic expressions further enriches in-depth conversations about human behavior and societal issues.