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

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/lje.ˈβɾe/

Translation Options into English

• Hare
• Rabbit (in some contexts)

Meaning and Usage

The word "liebre" primarily refers to a species of fast-running mammal in the family Leporidae. Unlike common rabbits, hares generally have longer ears and are known for their speed and agility. The term is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, reflecting its significance in daily conversations and literature, especially in relation to nature, hunting, and various cultural references. The frequency of use is moderate; it is understood in many Spanish-speaking regions and tends to appear more in oral contexts than in formal writing.

Example Sentences

1. La liebre es un animal muy ágil que puede correr a gran velocidad.

2. The hare is a very agile animal that can run at great speed.

3. En la fábula, la liebre se burlaba de la tortuga.

4. In the fable, the hare mocked the tortoise.

5. La liebre y el conejo son parientes, pero muy diferentes en comportamiento.

6. The hare and the rabbit are relatives, but very different in behavior.

Idiomatic Expressions

The word "liebre" frequently appears in idiomatic expressions within the Spanish language. Here are some notable idioms:

Examples and Translations

1. Dar la liebre - To give a hint or signal.
2. "No le des la liebre, déjalo que descubra las cosas por sí mismo."

3. "Don’t give him a hint, let him discover things by himself."

4. Coger la liebre - To catch someone off-guard or to surprise someone.

5. "No esperaba esa pregunta, me cogió la liebre."

6. "I didn't expect that question, it caught me off-guard."

7. Como una liebre - To be very fast or quick.

8. "Corre como una liebre cuando juega fútbol."

9. "He runs like a hare when playing soccer."

10. Ver una liebre - To perceive a situation or realize something suddenly.

11. "Finalmente vi la liebre, entendí lo que estaba pasando."
12. "I finally saw the hare, I understood what was going on."

Etymology

The Spanish word "liebre" is derived from the Latin "leporina," which is related to "lepus," meaning hare. This evolution mirrors linguistic changes within Romance languages stemming from Latin roots.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Conejo (when referring to rabbits, but less accurate when specifically about hares)
• Leporino (pertaining to hares, though not commonly used)

Antonyms

• Toma (referring to "tortoise," representing the slow contrast to a hare)
• Lento (slow, in context of comparing speed)