Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
Badger in Spanish: Tejón
Tejón · noun · teh-HOHN
The English word 'badger' translates to tejón in Spanish, a masculine noun. In Mexico, the local species may also be called tlalcoyote. Badgers are known for being fierce despite their small size.
Pronounce tejón as teh-HOHN, with the stress on the second syllable and the j pronounced like an English 'h.'
El tejón es un animal nocturno que vive en madrigueras.
The badger is a nocturnal animal that lives in burrows.
Badger in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for badger, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| tejón | badger | teh-HOHN | Default, widely understood |
| tlalcoyote | badger | Mexico, for the American badger |
How Native Speakers Use Tejón
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Nature documentary
Los tejones europeos son más grandes que los americanos.
European badgers are larger than American ones.
Comparing animal species.
Describing behavior
El tejón excavó una madriguera profunda en el bosque.
The badger dug a deep burrow in the forest.
Observing wildlife behavior.
Mexican wildlife
En México, al tejón americano también se le llama tlalcoyote.
In Mexico, the American badger is also called tlalcoyote.
Learning regional animal names.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Tejón
Confusing tejón with tazón
Incorrect: Vi un tazón en el bosque.
Correct: Vi un tejón en el bosque.
Tazón means 'bowl,' while tejón means 'badger.' The different vowels and consonants create entirely different words.
Missing accent
Incorrect: El tejon se escondió bajo tierra.
Correct: El tejón se escondió bajo tierra.
Tejón carries an accent on the ó to indicate stress on the final syllable.
Lock in Badger Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Tejón used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using tejón in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear El tejón es un animal nocturno que vive en madrigueras. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Badger in Spanish
- How do you say 'badger' in Spanish?
- Badger translates to tejón in Spanish, a masculine noun: el tejón (the badger), los tejones (the badgers).
- Are there badgers in Spanish-speaking countries?
- The American badger (tejón americano or tlalcoyote) lives in Mexico and the southwestern United States, while the European badger (tejón europeo) is found in Spain.
- What does tlalcoyote mean?
- Tlalcoyote comes from Nahuatl, the Aztec language, and is used in Mexico specifically for the American badger species (Taxidea taxus).