vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Caparazón" is a noun which is often translated as "shell", and "carapacho" is a noun which is also often translated as "shell". Learn more about the difference between "caparazón" and "carapacho" below.
el caparazón, la caparazón(
kah
-
pah
-
rah
-
sohn
)This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
a. shell
El comercio del carey se prohibió porque se obtiene del caparazón de una especie en peligro de extinción.The trade of tortoiseshell was banned because it's produced from the shell of an endangered species.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. thoracic skeleton
El arqueólogo examinó el caparazón de algún antepasado de la gallina.The archeologist examined the thoracic skeleton of some ancestor of the chicken.
3. (figurative) (protection)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. shell (figurative)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
El que consiga romper el caparazón de su corazón será digno de su amor.He who manages to break the shell of her heart will be worthy of her love.
el carapacho(
kah
-
rah
-
pah
-
choh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
