Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Fly in Spanish
Mosca · noun · MOHS-kah
The Spanish word for fly (the insect) is 'mosca.' The verb to fly is 'volar,' an entirely different word. This dual meaning of 'fly' in English often causes confusion for learners, but Spanish keeps the noun and verb separate.
Pronounce 'mosca' as MOHS-kah, with two syllables and the stress on the first. For 'volar' (to fly), say boh-LAR.
Hay una mosca en mi sopa.
There is a fly in my soup.
fly in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for fly, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| mosca | fly | MOHS-kah | Default, widely understood |
| volar | fly | the verb — to fly |
How Native Speakers Use Mosca
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Annoying insect
Esa mosca no para de dar vueltas por la cocina.
That fly won't stop buzzing around the kitchen.
Dealing with a pest.
Verb usage
Los pájaros vuelan sobre el lago al amanecer.
The birds fly over the lake at dawn.
Describing birds in flight.
Travel plans
Vamos a volar a Madrid la próxima semana.
We are going to fly to Madrid next week.
Discussing air travel.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Mosca
Using one word for both meanings
Incorrect: Vi una volar en la ventana.
Correct: Vi una mosca en la ventana.
Spanish distinguishes between 'mosca' (the insect) and 'volar' (the action of flying). They are completely different words.
Wrong gender
Incorrect: El mosca es molesto.
Correct: La mosca es molesta.
'Mosca' is feminine, requiring the article 'la' and the feminine adjective 'molesta.'
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See Mosca used by native speakers
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Common Questions About fly in Spanish
- What is the difference between mosca and volar?
- Mosca is the noun for the insect fly, while volar is the verb meaning to fly through the air — Spanish uses two completely distinct words for what English covers with one.
- How do you say fly swatter in Spanish?
- A fly swatter is called 'matamoscas' in Spanish, a compound word from 'mata' (kills) and 'moscas' (flies), literally meaning 'fly killer.'
- Are there expressions using mosca in Spanish?
- The expression 'estar mosca' means to be suspicious or wary, and 'por si las moscas' means 'just in case,' both using 'mosca' in idiomatic rather than literal ways.