Noun
/tó.po/
The word "topo" in Spanish primarily refers to a mole, a small burrowing mammal known for its specialized digging capabilities. In a colloquial context, particularly in some South American countries including Colombia and Ecuador, it can also refer to a person who spies or informs on others, akin to a "snitch" in English. The word can be used in both oral and written contexts, although its usage might lean more toward informal conversation due to its colloquial meanings.
El topo cava túneles bajo la tierra.
The mole digs tunnels beneath the ground.
No confíes en él, es un topo que habla con la policía.
Don't trust him, he's a mole who talks to the police.
Vimos un topo en el jardín mientras jugábamos.
We saw a mole in the garden while we were playing.
The term "topo" is embedded in some idiomatic expressions in Spanish, especially in colloquial speech.
Estar como un topo en una fiesta significa que no sabes qué hacer.
To feel like a mole at a party means you don’t know what to do.
Él siempre se convierte en un topo cuando hay conflictos en la oficina.
He always becomes a mole when there are conflicts in the office.
No quiero ser el topo de esta conversación.
I don’t want to be the mole of this conversation.
Se siente como un topo entre tanta gente nueva.
He feels like a mole among so many new people.
Decidí no ser un topo y contarles toda la verdad.
I decided not to be a mole and tell them the whole truth.
The word "topo" originates from the Latin word "talpa," which means mole. It has undergone phonetic and morphological changes through various dialects of Spanish over time.
Synonyms: - Topillo (a diminutive form) - Espía (spy, when referring to a traitor)
Antonyms: - Aliado (ally) - Amigo (friend)
This structure and information should provide a comprehensive understanding of the word "topo" in Spanish.