Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Moth in Spanish
Polilla · noun · poh-LEE-yah
"Polilla" is the standard Spanish word for moth. It most often refers to small moths that damage clothing and stored goods. For larger species, many speakers say "mariposa nocturna" (literally night butterfly), drawing a contrast with "mariposa" (butterfly). In Mexico and parts of Central America, "palomilla" is the everyday term for any moth.
Pronounce "polilla" as poh-LEE-yah. The double "ll" sounds like "y" in most Spanish dialects. Stress falls on the second syllable. "Mariposa nocturna" is mah-ree-POH-sah nok-TOOR-nah.
Una polilla se comió mi suéter de lana.
A moth ate my wool sweater.
Moth in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for moth, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| polilla | moth | poh-LEE-yah | Default, widely understood |
| mariposa nocturna | moth | general / zoological term for larger moths | |
| palomilla | moth | Mexico and Central America |
How Native Speakers Use Polilla
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Household pest
Hay que poner naftalina para espantar a las polillas.
We need to put mothballs in to keep the moths away.
"Naftalina" (mothball) and "antipolillas" (moth repellent) are common household terms paired with "polilla."
Describing a large moth
Anoche una mariposa nocturna enorme entró por la ventana.
Last night a huge moth came in through the window.
"Mariposa nocturna" is used for large, striking moths to distinguish them from tiny pantry or clothes moths.
Figurative use
Las polillas del libro destruyeron páginas enteras.
The bookworms destroyed entire pages.
"Polilla" can figuratively refer to a bookworm—something or someone that devours books—or to any persistent, consuming force.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Polilla
Confusing moth and butterfly
Incorrect: Vi una mariposa volando alrededor de la lámpara de noche.
Correct: Vi una polilla volando alrededor de la lámpara.
"Mariposa" by itself means butterfly. Moths attracted to lights are "polillas." Only the compound "mariposa nocturna" specifies a moth.
Wrong regional term
Incorrect: La palomilla se comió mi abrigo. (said in Spain)
Correct: La polilla se comió mi abrigo.
"Palomilla" is understood mainly in Mexico and Central America. In Spain and most of South America, "polilla" is the standard term and "palomilla" may cause confusion.
Lock in Moth 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 Polilla used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using polilla in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Una polilla se comió mi suéter de lana. 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 Moth in Spanish
- What is the difference between "polilla" and "mariposa nocturna"?
- "Polilla" typically refers to small moths, especially those known for damaging clothes or food stores. "Mariposa nocturna" (night butterfly) is a broader term for any moth, particularly larger species seen outdoors.
- Does "polilla" have any figurative meanings?
- Beyond its literal meaning, "polilla" can describe something that slowly destroys or consumes, much like moths eat fabric. It is also used colloquially for a person who devours books or a persistent nuisance.
- How do you say mothball in Spanish?
- Mothball is "bola de naftalina" or simply "naftalina." You may also hear "antipolillas" for moth-repellent products in general.