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

📅 Published: November 13, 2025

😆 Funny Words

culebra

noun • /[koo-LEH-brah]/

snake

Example:

¡Esa culebra se metió en la mochila!

That snake got into the backpack!

🧠 What does culebra mean?

The noun 'culebra' refers to a snake, particularly a smaller, non-venomous type. While often used interchangeably with 'serpiente' in everyday conversation, 'culebra' technically refers to snakes of the Colubridae family. Metaphorically, it can describe anything long and winding, such as a road or a queue of people. It is a feminine noun: 'la culebra'.

📚 Extra examples

  • Vimos una culebra en el jardín, pero no era peligrosa.
    We saw a snake in the garden, but it wasn't dangerous.
  • El niño le tiene pánico a las culebras y a las arañas.
    The boy is terrified of snakes and spiders.
  • La carretera que sube la montaña parece una culebra.
    The road that goes up the mountain looks like a snake.
  • En algunos países, 'culebra' puede significar una deuda pendiente.
    In some countries, 'culebra' can mean an outstanding debt.

💡 Did You Know?

While 'culebra' and 'serpiente' are often used as synonyms for 'snake', there is a subtle biological distinction. 'Serpiente' is the general, all-encompassing term. 'Culebra' typically refers to the Colubridae family, which includes many common, non-venomous snakes. For venomous snakes, a more specific term like 'víbora' (viper) is often used. This nuance is similar to the difference between 'bug' and 'insect' in English.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "culebra"

Synonyms: serpiente, ofidio, reptil

🔍 See more funny words words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'snake' in Spanish?
The two most common words are 'serpiente' and 'culebra'. 'Serpiente' is a general term for any snake. 'Culebra' often refers to a smaller, non-venomous snake. 'Víbora' is used for a viper, a type of venomous snake.
How do you pronounce 'culebra' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is koo-LEH-brah, with the emphasis on the second syllable, 'le'.
How do you use 'culebra' in a sentence?
An example sentence is: 'Una culebra se deslizó por el camino de tierra.' This means 'A snake slithered across the dirt path.'
What is the English translation of 'culebra'?
The English translation of 'culebra' is 'snake'.
Does 'culebra' change for gender or number?
'Culebra' is a feminine noun ('la culebra'). Its plural form is 'las culebras'. It does not change for gender.
Is 'culebra' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'culebra' is a very common word used in daily conversation across the Spanish-speaking world.
Does 'culebra' have slang or double meanings?
Yes. Metaphorically, it can refer to anything long and winding. In some parts of Latin America, particularly the Caribbean, it is slang for a debt. The expression 'ser una culebra' can describe a treacherous or cunning person.
Is 'culebra' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The primary meaning is the same. However, certain slang uses, like referring to a debt or a long queue ('hacer la culebra'), are more common in Latin America than in Spain.

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