criatura
nounCEFR B2
What does “criatura” mean in English?
creature — any living being, especially non-human; metaphorically any created or dependent being
creature — any living being, especially non-human; metaphorically any created or dependent being (una criatura marina, como criatura social)
Example sentences
La araña de mar es una de las criaturas más fascinantes y menos conocidas del ecosistema marino profundo.
The sea spider is one of the most fascinating and least-known creatures of the deep marine ecosystem.
Como criatura social, el ser humano no puede alcanzar su pleno desarrollo en aislamiento.
As a social creature, the human being cannot reach full development in isolation.
Las criaturas nocturnas han desarrollado adaptaciones extraordinarias para sobrevivir en la oscuridad.
Nocturnal creatures have developed extraordinary adaptations to survive in the dark.
How to use it
La criatura means 'creature' — any living being, especially one that is not human, or metaphorically any being that is created or dependent. At B2 it appears in scientific, literary, and social discourse. Key collocations: una criatura marina/nocturna/mítica, las criaturas del bosque, una criatura indefensa. In informal peninsular Spanish, criatura also means 'infant/baby' (especially in affectionate speech: ¡pobrecilla criatura!). Distinguish from ser vivo (living being — broader scientific term) and especie (species — taxonomic category).
Common mistake
Criatura (creature — emphasises being created or dependent) vs animal (animal — specific zoological category) vs ser vivo (living being — broadest scientific term). In informal Spanish, criatura = infant/baby: '¡Mira qué criatura tan pequeña!' This use is especially common in peninsular Spain and can confuse English speakers who only know the 'creature' sense. In academic writing, always use ser vivo for the biological sense.