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How To Say "Monkey" In Spanish

Whether you are traveling to a Spanish-speaking country, taking a Spanish class, or simply interested in learning a new language, you might be wondering how to say "monkey" in Spanish. In this article, we will explore the different ways to say "monkey" in Spanish, the meaning behind the word, and any regional differences that exist.

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What is "Monkey" in Spanish?

The word for "monkey" in Spanish is "mono" (IPA: /ˈmono/). It is pronounces with a stress on the first syllable.

However, it is worth noting that there are different words for "monkey" depending on the region. For example, in some Latin American countries, the word chango is used instead of "mono". In other countries, simio is the preferred term.

Meaning of "Monkey" in Spanish

In Spanish, "mono" refers to any primate that is not a human being. This includes a wide variety of species, such as chimpanzees, orangutans, and lemurs. It is worth noting that there is no distinction between "ape" and "monkey" in Spanish, so both are referred to as "mono".

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Translating "Monkey" to Spanish

If you are looking to translate the English word "monkey" to Spanish, the most accurate translation is "mono". Here are a few other translations that might be used in different regions:

Chango (IPA: /'tʃaŋɡo/)
Simio (IPA: /'simo]
Mono araña (IPA: /'mono aˈɾaɲa/): Spider monkey
Mono aullador (IPA: /'mono aʊˈʝaðoɾ/): Howler monkey
Mono capuchino (IPA: /'mono kapuˈtʃino/): Capuchin monkey

As you can see, there are many different words for "monkey" in Spanish, and the specific word used can vary based on region, context, and even the species of monkey being referred to.

Regional Differences

As we mentioned earlier, different regions may use different words for "monkey" in Spanish. Here are a few examples of regional differences:

In Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, the word "mono" is rarely used. Instead, the word "chango" is used to refer to monkeys.
In Mexico, "simio" is a more common term than "mono".
In Peru, "mono" can also refer to a small boy or girl.
In Spain, "mono" is used to refer to a pet monkey, while "simio" is used for wild monkeys.

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