The word "jirafa" is a noun.
The phonetic transcription of "jirafa" using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is [xiˈɾafa].
The primary translation of "jirafa" into English is "giraffe."
In Spanish, "jirafa" refers to a tall, long-necked mammal known for its distinct spots and height. Giraffes are indigenous to Africa and are the tallest mammals on land. The word is frequently used in both oral and written contexts, often appearing in discussions about animals, wildlife, and zoos. It enjoys regular use, especially in educational settings, literature for children, and casual conversations about nature.
La jirafa es el animal terrestre más alto del mundo.
(The giraffe is the tallest land animal in the world.)
En el zoológico, pudimos ver a la jirafa comer hojas de un árbol.
(At the zoo, we were able to see the giraffe eating leaves from a tree.)
Los niños estaban fascinados al ver a la jirafa pasear por su recinto.
(The children were fascinated to see the giraffe walking around its enclosure.)
While "jirafa" does not frequently appear in common idiomatic expressions, the concept of tallness or reaching great heights can be metaphorically linked to aspirations and achievements. Here are some related expressions:
Ser más alto que una jirafa.
(To be taller than a giraffe.)
Meaning: This expression can be used humorously to emphasize someone’s great height or to describe something that is extraordinarily tall.
Tener el cuello de jirafa.
(To have a giraffe's neck.)
Meaning: This can refer to someone who is overly curious or stretches their neck to see something better.
Llegar como una jirafa.
(To arrive like a giraffe.)
Meaning: This expression can describe someone who arrives awkwardly or stands out due to their height.
Juan es tan alto que siempre dicen que es más alto que una jirafa.
(Juan is so tall that they always say he is taller than a giraffe.)
Marta tiene el cuello de jirafa; siempre está curioseando todo.
(Marta has a giraffe's neck; she's always snooping around.)
Carlos llegó como una jirafa a la fiesta, chocando con todo.
(Carlos arrived like a giraffe at the party, bumping into everything.)
The word "jirafa" comes from the Arabic word "zarāfa" (زرافة), which means "to walk very fast." The term evolved through languages, eventually becoming "jirafa" in Spanish.
Synonyms:
- No hay sinónimos exactos en español para "jirafa," pero se puede usar "mamífero alto" (tall mammal) de manera descriptiva.
Antonyms:
- "Ratón" (mouse), as it represents a small and short mammal, contrasting with the height and size of a giraffe.