Lael logo

selva means jungle — a common term in Travel Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: December 24, 2025

✈️ Travel Spanish

selva

noun • /[SEL-va]/

jungle

Example:

Caminamos por la selva durante horas.

We hiked through the jungle for hours.

🧠 What does selva mean?

The Spanish word 'selva' refers to a dense, tropical forest characterized by abundant and diverse plant and animal life. It is typically associated with hot, humid climates and high rainfall, often found in equatorial regions. The term evokes images of lush vegetation, towering trees, tangled vines, and a rich ecosystem. While often translated as 'jungle,' 'selva' can encompass a broader range of dense forest environments beyond what might be strictly defined as jungle.

📚 Extra examples

  • Exploramos la exuberante selva amazónica durante nuestro viaje.
    We explored the lush Amazon rainforest during our trip.
  • La biodiversidad de la selva es asombrosa.
    The biodiversity of the jungle is astonishing.
  • Se requiere equipo especial para adentrarse en la selva.
    Special equipment is required to venture into the jungle.
  • Las lluvias torrenciales son comunes en la selva tropical.
    Torrential rains are common in the tropical rainforest.
  • Se escuchaban los sonidos de la selva por la noche.
    The sounds of the jungle could be heard at night.

💡 Did You Know?

The term 'selva' is particularly relevant when discussing the vast tropical rainforests of South America, such as the Amazon, which is the largest tropical rainforest in the world.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "selva"

Synonyms: jungla, floresta tropical, bosque denso
Opposites: desierto, llanura, estepa

🔍 See more travel spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'jungle' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'jungle' is 'selva'.
How do you pronounce 'selva' in Spanish?
'Selva' is pronounced 'SEL-vah'. The 's' is like the English 's', the 'e' is a short 'e' sound like in 'bed', the 'l' is a standard 'l', the 'v' is pronounced like a soft 'b' or a 'v' with no friction (lips slightly apart, air flowing), and the 'a' is an open 'ah' sound like in 'father'.
How do you use 'selva' in a sentence?
'Selva' is used as a noun to refer to a jungle or dense tropical forest. For example, 'Visitamos la selva para ver la fauna exótica' (We visited the jungle to see the exotic fauna).
What is the English translation of 'selva'?
The primary English translation of 'selva' is 'jungle'.
Does 'selva' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'selva' is a feminine noun, so it is 'la selva' (the jungle) in the singular. The plural form is 'las selvas' (the jungles).
Is 'selva' common in everyday Spanish?
'Selva' is commonly used when discussing geography, nature, travel, or specific regions known for their dense forests, such as the Amazon. It is a standard vocabulary word and would be understood by most Spanish speakers.
Does 'selva' have slang or double meanings?
In its primary sense, 'selva' refers to a jungle. While it does not commonly carry slang or double meanings in everyday conversation, context is always important in language.
Is 'selva' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning of 'selva' as a dense tropical forest is consistent across both Spain and Latin America. However, the experience and prevalence of jungles are naturally more pronounced in Latin American contexts due to geography.

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store