Articles with male/female animals

Question

I'm really unsure of how to refer to male/female animals.

The word for "zebra" is "LA cebra." What if I want to talk about a male zebra? Can I say "El cebra?"

Or the word for "snake," is "LA SERPIENTE." What if I want to talk about a male snake? Can I say "El serpiente?"

I'm a bit confused! If someone could help me out I'd appreciate it!

Answer 1

Well, in such cases you can add macho or hembra after the animal:

• la cebra macho (male)
• la cebra hembra (female)

But saying el cebra, el serpiente would be wrong.

And sometimes this is possible:

• el oso
• la osa
• el perro
• la perra

Toni! That makes sense! 1 quick question though - So if I use an adjective to describe that animal, I will make the adjective match the gender of the animal, correct? Like "La cebra bonita" (for female) "La cebra bonito" (male). ? - thaibean06, Apr 2, 2010

Answer 2

From the annals of our vault no less, a follow-up question:

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When describing the body parts on animals in general, does the same rule apply as when we refer to same on humans, using the definite article (as opposed to the possessive) like in the example:

• Me duele la cabeza = sorry!

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Good question. - Goldie_Miel, Feb 16, 2012

Answer 3

Well, you have to match the noun gender cebra (f) > rayada (f). Adding "macho" doesn't change the noun gender.

• La cebra macho es rayada.
• La cebra hembra es rayada.

Another:

• El camello macho es rápido.
• El camello hembra es rápido.

camello (m) > rápido (m)

Thank you so much! You are a huge blessing. I wish I knew Spanish as well as you! - thaibean06, Apr 3, 2010