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Crisálida means chrysalis — a common term in Beautiful Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: March 13, 2026

✨ Beautiful Spanish

Crisálida

noun • /[kree-SA-lee-da]/

chrysalis

Example:

La mariposa salió de la crisálida.

The butterfly emerged from the chrysalis.

🧠 What does Crisálida mean?

A crisálida is the pupal stage of a butterfly's life cycle. It is the transitional phase where the larva (caterpillar) undergoes a profound metamorphosis to emerge as a winged adult. This delicate, often hardened casing protects the developing butterfly as it transforms. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe a state of hidden development or a period of significant, unseen change and transformation before a reveal.

📚 Extra examples

  • La oruga se transformó en una hermosa mariposa dentro de su crisálida.
    The caterpillar transformed into a beautiful butterfly inside its chrysalis.
  • Este proyecto se encuentra en una crisálida; pronto veremos los resultados.
    This project is in a chrysalis; we will soon see the results.
  • Observar la crisálida es observar el milagro de la metamorfosis.
    Observing the chrysalis is observing the miracle of metamorphosis.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'crisálida' comes from the Greek word 'chrysos', meaning gold, possibly referring to the metallic sheen that some chrysalises possess.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "Crisálida"

Synonyms: pupa, metamorfosis
Opposites: adulto, mariposa

🔍 See more beautiful spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'chrysalis' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'chrysalis' is 'crisálida'.
How do you pronounce 'Crisálida' in Spanish?
Crisálida is pronounced kree-SAH-lee-dah. The accent is on the second-to-last syllable, 'SAH'.
How do you use 'Crisálida' in a sentence?
A sentence using 'crisálida' could be: 'La mariposa emergió de su crisálida después de varias semanas.' (The butterfly emerged from its chrysalis after several weeks.)
What is the English translation of 'Crisálida'?
The English translation of 'crisálida' is 'chrysalis'.
Does 'Crisálida' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'crisálida' is a feminine noun. In its singular form, it is 'la crisálida'. In its plural form, it is 'las crisálidas'.
Is 'Crisálida' common in everyday Spanish?
The word 'crisálida' is not exceedingly common in everyday conversation unless the topic directly relates to entomology or nature. It is more frequently encountered in educational contexts, literature, or when discussing transformations metaphorically.
Does 'Crisálida' have slang or double meanings?
Primarily, 'crisálida' refers to the pupal stage of a butterfly. However, metaphorically, it can signify a period of quiet, significant transformation or development, suggesting something is about to emerge or change profoundly. It does not have common slang meanings.
Is 'Crisálida' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of 'crisálida' are consistent across Spain and Latin America. It universally refers to the chrysalis of a butterfly.

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