Spanish Word of the Day: Conejo (rabbit)

Rabbits are unique animals with long ears and an incredible hopping and running ability. These fascinating creatures are found in the wild and also make great pets. Their Spanish name, conejo, comes from the Latin word cuniculus, which originally referred to a rabbit or hare. 

This animal is typically referred to using its masculine noun form, but it’s also common to use the feminine form in Spanish. Here are the definite and indefinite articles:

• el conejo = the rabbit
• los conejos = the rabbits
• un conejo = a rabbit
• unos conejos = some rabbits

• la coneja = the rabbit
• las conejas = the rabbits
• una coneja = a rabbit
• unas conejas = some rabbits

The conejo is a mammal known for its long orejas (ears) that can move in different directions to listen for danger. They have a cola esponjosa (fluffy tail), pelo suave (soft fur), and ojos grandes (big eyes) with the ability to see in low light. Conejos have strong patas traseras (hind legs) that help them hop quite high and far. 

They have an incredible ability to run fast to escape depredadores (predators). Conejos can be white, brown, black, or a mix. They use their bigotes (whiskers) to sense their surroundings and detect if they can fit through tight spaces.

Conejos versus liebres

Liebres are what we know as hares in English. While liebres and conejos are often confused, they are actually different animals.

The liebre is bigger and has larger hind legs and ears. They are extra speedy and run across open fields to escape predators. They don’t live in burrows like conejos do. Instead, they make cozy nests among the tall grass. When born, the babies are ready to hop away and explore the world. 

The conejos on the other hand dig homes called madrigueras (warrens) underground. They are social animals, which means they live with their families and socialise with other rabbits. Physically, they have shorter legs and smaller ears. When born, conejos are hairless and need their mom’s care at birth. 

Although both the liebre and the conejo have fluffy tails and long ears, they differ in their habitats, behaviours, and developmental processes.

Conejos belong to an extensive and diverse family with various names and species. Here are a few types:

• conejo europeo = European rabbit: the most common domesticated rabbit / found in the wild in Europe and Africa
• conejo de montaña = mountain rabbit: found in the mountains of North America
• conejo de cola de algodón = cottontail rabbit: known for its white tail like a cotton ball / found in North America
• conejo de canguro = kangaroo rabbit: found in the southern parts of Africa / known for its ability to hop large distances
• conejo de sierra = sierra rabbit: found in the warm regions of the Southwest United States and Mexico
• conejo de madera = wooden rabbit: found in the forests and tree-filled areas of Central and South America

These mammals are herbívoros (herbivores), meaning they eat plants. Some of the fresh vegetables they eat include zanahorias (carrots), espinacas (spinach), pimientos morrones (bell peppers), and lechuga (lettuce). They also like to nibble on fresh grass and hay, which is important for their digestion and teeth. 

Their diet also includes a small amount of frutas (fruits) such as manzanas (apples) and fresas (strawberries). Pet rabbits are given pellets that are filled with important nutrients. They have two large front dientes (teeth) called incisivos (incisors) that grow throughout their lifetime. They need to masticar (chew) on things to keep their teeth from getting too long. 

Conjeos salvajes (wild rabbits) live in conejeras (burrows) or nests, which are little underground homes. These burrows are known as madrigueras (warrens) and are found in grassy areas or forests. The conejos dig these túneles (tunnels) to create a safe home for themselves.

There are also conejos domesticados (domesticated rabbits) that people keep as pets. These conejos live indoors, or in a special conejera al aire libre (outdoor hutch). These homes need to be spacious so the conejo has enough room to hop around and play. If you own a pet rabbit, their fur and nails need to be cared for and they need regular check-ups to stay saludable (healthy). 

Rabbits are animales sociales (social animals). In the wild, they live in groups called manadas (herds) for protection and companionship. On the other hand, pet rabbits enjoy the company of their human families, as well as forming bonds with other conejos.

Conejos often appear in stories and cartoons. Most of them are called by their English name in Spanish-speaking countries. Some popular rabbits on TV include:

• Bugs Bunny = Bugs Bunny (Warner Bros)
• Pedro el conejo = Peter Rabbit (by Beatrix Potter)
• Golpeador/ Tambor = Thumper (Disney)
• Lola Bunny = Lola Bunny (Warner Bros)
• Roger Rabbit = Roger Rabbit (Disney)
• Conejito Benjamín = Benjamin Bunny (by Beatrix Potter)
• Judy Hopps = Judy Hopps (Zootopia/Disney)

Another popular conejo is the Conejo de Pascua, which we know of as the Easter Bunny in English. It refers to the mythical rabbit that delivers eggs to children during Easter.

Fun Fact:

Conejos are crepuscular (crepuscular) not nocturnos (nocturnal). This means they like to be out at crepúsculo (twilight). This means they are most active during amanecer y anochecer (dawn and dusk). During this time, they are more likely to eat, explore, and play. They tend to rest and sleep during the middle of the day and night.

Their crepuscular nature helps them avoid depredadores (predators) that are active during the day or night. For conejos salvajes (wild rabbits), dawn and dusk offer a lower chance of encountering danger. Conejos mascotas (pet rabbits) on the other hand, adapt their schedule to their human family’s routine.

Some derivatives of the word conejo include: 

• conejo silvestre = wild rabbit
• conejo de monte = wild rabbit 
• conejo enano = dwarf rabbit
• conejo doméstico = domestic rabbit / pet
• conejito = little rabbit/baby rabbit (diminutive form of conejo)
• conejera = rabbit warren/ rabbit home with tunnels or rooms
• conejil = rabbit-like or rabbit-related (adjective)

Spanish idioms and metaphors featuring ‘conejo‘

Metaphorically, conejos are often associated with being tímidos (shy or timid) due to their nature of hiding from predators. They are also a symbol of fertilidad (fertility) and reproducción (reproduction) in many cultures because of their ability to reproduce quickly and in large numbers. 

Más vale conejo en mano que ciento volando. (A rabbit in the hand is worth more than a hundred flying) is a phrase that means that it is better to hold onto something certain rather than risk it for something uncertain.