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chapulín means grasshopper — a common term in Funny Words. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: March 18, 2026

😆 Funny Words

chapulín

noun • /[cha-pu-LEEN]/

grasshopper

Example:

Un chapulín saltó sobre la mesa.

A grasshopper jumped onto the table.

🧠 What does chapulín mean?

Chapulín is a noun that refers to a grasshopper, particularly those found in Mexico and Central America. While it accurately describes the insect, the word itself often carries a playful or slightly whimsical connotation in spoken Spanish. It is also famously associated with a beloved Mexican superhero, El Chapulín Colorado, known for his comedic struggles and good intentions, which has further cemented the word's lighthearted image for many.

📚 Extra examples

  • Un chapulín saltó del pasto a mi pantalón.
    A grasshopper jumped from the grass onto my pants.
  • Los niños se ríen cuando ven un chapulín.
    Children laugh when they see a grasshopper.
  • El campo estaba lleno de chapulines después de la lluvia.
    The field was full of grasshoppers after the rain.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'chapulín' comes from the Nahuatl word 'chapōlin', which means 'grasshopper'. It is a common food source in some parts of Mexico and is known for its nutritional value.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "chapulín"

Synonyms: saltamontes, grillo

🔍 See more funny words words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'grasshopper' in Spanish?
The most common word for 'grasshopper' in Spanish is 'chapulín'. Another word is 'saltamontes'.
How do you pronounce 'chapulín' in Spanish?
Chapulín is pronounced cha-poo-LEEN. The stress is on the last syllable, 'LEEN'.
How do you use 'chapulín' in a sentence?
You can use 'chapulín' as a noun to refer to the insect. For example, 'Vi un chapulín en el jardín.' (I saw a grasshopper in the garden.)
What is the English translation of 'chapulín'?
The English translation of 'chapulín' is 'grasshopper'.
Does 'chapulín' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'chapulín' is a masculine noun. For the plural form, it becomes 'chapulines'.
Is 'chapulín' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'chapulín' is commonly used, especially in Mexico and Central America, to refer to a grasshopper. It is also widely recognized due to the popular character El Chapulín Colorado.
Does 'chapulín' have slang or double meanings?
While 'chapulín' primarily means grasshopper, the character El Chapulín Colorado often used his name in humorous ways. In some contexts, a person might be playfully called a 'chapulín' if they are seen as clumsy or prone to comical mishaps, drawing a parallel to the character's adventures.
Is 'chapulín' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
In Spain, the word 'saltamontes' is more commonly used for grasshopper. 'Chapulín' is predominantly used in Mexico and Central America.

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