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

📅 Published: November 10, 2025

✨ Beautiful Spanish

mariposa

noun • /[ma-ree-PO-sa]/

butterfly

Example:

La mariposa rozó su mejilla.

The butterfly brushed her cheek.

🧠 What does mariposa mean?

A feminine noun, 'mariposa' refers to an insect with large, often brightly colored wings, which is the adult stage of a caterpillar. Figuratively, it is used in the common expression 'tener mariposas en el estómago' (to have butterflies in the stomach), which describes a nervous or fluttery feeling, often associated with love or anxiety.

📚 Extra examples

  • Las mariposas monarca migran miles de kilómetros cada año.
    Monarch butterflies migrate thousands of kilometers every year.
  • El niño observaba con asombro cómo la mariposa se posaba en la flor.
    The child watched in amazement as the butterfly landed on the flower.
  • El estilo de natación que más le cuesta es el de mariposa.
    The swimming stroke he finds most difficult is the butterfly.

💡 Did You Know?

The phrase 'efecto mariposa' (butterfly effect) is a direct translation from English and is well-understood in Spanish. It refers to the concept in chaos theory where a small change, like the flap of a butterfly's wings, can result in large, unpredictable consequences elsewhere.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "mariposa"

Synonyms: papalote, palomita
Opposites: oruga, crisálida, larva

🔍 See more beautiful spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'butterfly' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'butterfly' is 'mariposa'.
How do you pronounce 'mariposa' in Spanish?
In Spanish, 'mariposa' is pronounced /ma.ɾiˈpo.sa/. The stress falls on the second-to-last syllable, 'po'.
How do you use 'mariposa' in a sentence?
Here is an example sentence: 'Vimos una hermosa mariposa azul en el jardín.' (We saw a beautiful blue butterfly in the garden.)
What is the English translation of 'mariposa'?
The English translation of 'mariposa' is 'butterfly'.
Does 'mariposa' change for gender or number?
'Mariposa' is a feminine noun ('la mariposa'). The plural form is 'las mariposas'. The word itself does not change to indicate the biological sex of the insect.
Is 'mariposa' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'mariposa' is a very common and well-known word used in everyday conversation across the Spanish-speaking world.
Does 'mariposa' have slang or double meanings?
Yes. Colloquially, it can be a pejorative slang term for a gay man. It can also refer to a 'social butterfly' ('una mariposa social') or a particular swimming style ('estilo mariposa'). In some areas, it can also refer to a type of oil lamp ('lámpara de mariposa').
Is 'mariposa' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The primary meaning of 'butterfly' is universal. However, in some Latin American countries, the term can occasionally be used to refer to a moth ('polilla'). The slang usages can also vary in frequency and intensity by region.

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