Spanish vocabulary · Beginner

How to Say Cheetah in Spanish: Guepardo

Guepardo · noun (masculine) · geh-PAHR-doh

Cheetah in Spanish is guepardo (el guepardo). This big cat is known for being the fastest land animal, reaching speeds of 120 km/h. The word comes from Italian ghepardo. Some regions also use the adapted spelling chita.

geh-PAHR-doh

El guepardo es el animal terrestre más rápido del mundo.

The cheetah is the fastest land animal in the world.

Cheetah in Spanish: Quick Reference

Below are the most common Spanish words for cheetah, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.

SpanishEnglishPronunciationRegion / Register
guepardocheetahgeh-PAHR-dohDefault, widely understood
chitacheetahsome Latin American countries

How Native Speakers Use Guepardo

Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.

Nature documentary

El guepardo alcanza los 120 kilómetros por hora en pocos segundos.

The cheetah reaches 120 kilometers per hour in just seconds.

Guepardo is the standard scientific and everyday name for this animal.

Comparing animals

A diferencia del leopardo, el guepardo no puede trepar árboles.

Unlike the leopard, the cheetah cannot climb trees.

Guepardo and leopardo are commonly confused — they are different species.

Conservation

El guepardo está en peligro de extinción por la pérdida de hábitat.

The cheetah is endangered due to habitat loss.

En peligro de extinción is the phrase for endangered species.

Avoid These Mistakes When Using Guepardo

Confusing guepardo with leopardo

Incorrect: El guepardo tiene manchas en forma de roseta.

Correct: El leopardo tiene manchas en forma de roseta. El guepardo tiene puntos sólidos.

A guepardo (cheetah) has solid spots and tear-mark lines on its face. A leopardo (leopard) has rosette-shaped spots.

Using chita incorrectly

Incorrect: Vi un chita en el zoológico. (in Spain)

Correct: Vi un guepardo en el zoológico.

Chita is understood but less common. Guepardo is the universally accepted term in standard Spanish.

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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 Guepardo used by native speakers

Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using guepardo in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear El guepardo es el animal terrestre más rápido del mundo. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.

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Common Questions About Cheetah in Spanish

How do you say cheetah in Spanish?
Cheetah is guepardo (el guepardo). It is the fastest land animal and is found in Africa and parts of Iran.
What is the difference between guepardo and leopardo?
A guepardo (cheetah) is slender, has solid spots, and runs extremely fast. A leopardo (leopard) is more muscular, has rosette spots, and climbs trees.
Is guepardo masculine or feminine?
Guepardo is masculine: el guepardo. For a female cheetah, say la guepardo hembra or la hembra del guepardo.