Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Crocodile in Spanish: Cocodrilo
Cocodrilo · noun (masculine) · koh-koh-DREE-loh
Crocodile in Spanish is cocodrilo, a masculine noun referring to the large reptile found in tropical regions throughout Latin America.
Cocodrilo has four syllables: koh-koh-DREE-loh, with the stress on the third syllable.
Vimos un cocodrilo enorme en el río.
We saw an enormous crocodile in the river.
Crocodile in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for crocodile, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| cocodrilo | crocodile | koh-koh-DREE-loh | Default, widely understood |
| caimán | crocodile | used for alligators/caimans in Latin America |
How Native Speakers Use Cocodrilo
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Wildlife observation
El cocodrilo estaba tomando el sol en la orilla del río.
The crocodile was sunbathing on the riverbank.
Describing wildlife behavior.
Warning sign
Cuidado: hay cocodrilos en esta zona. No se acerque al agua.
Warning: there are crocodiles in this area. Do not approach the water.
Safety warning near waterways.
Children's conversation
Mi animal favorito es el cocodrilo porque es muy fuerte.
My favorite animal is the crocodile because it's very strong.
A child expressing preferences.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Cocodrilo
Spelling error
Incorrect: El crocodilo vive en el pantano.
Correct: El cocodrilo vive en el pantano.
The Spanish spelling is cocodrilo, not crocodilo — the first syllable is co, not cro.
Confusing cocodrilo with caimán
Incorrect: El cocodrilo de los Everglades es peligroso.
Correct: El caimán de los Everglades es peligroso.
The Everglades has alligators (caimanes), not crocodiles (cocodrilos).
Lock in Crocodile 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 Cocodrilo used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using cocodrilo in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Vimos un cocodrilo enorme en el río. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Crocodile in Spanish
- How do you say crocodile in Spanish?
- The Spanish word for crocodile is cocodrilo (koh-koh-DREE-loh), a masculine noun that takes the article el.
- What is the difference between cocodrilo and caimán?
- Cocodrilo refers specifically to crocodiles, while caimán is used for alligators and caimans, which are smaller relatives found throughout the Americas.
- Is cocodrilo used the same way in Spain and Latin America?
- Spanish speakers everywhere use cocodrilo for true crocodiles, though Latin Americans encounter these animals more frequently and may use the word in everyday conversation.