perra
/pera/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'female dog' is translated as perra.
The term perra is used to refer to a female dog. However, be aware that in many contexts, it is also used as a vulgar insult for a woman, similar to the word 'bitch' in English.
Which one should you use?
While perra literally means a female dog, it carries a heavy derogatory connotation when applied to people. For an affectionate or informal way to say 'little female dog', you can use perrita.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using it to describe a person is considered highly offensive slang or profanity. perrita is an informal diminutive used affectionately for a female dog.
How does it change in a sentence?
perra is the feminine form of the noun perro (male dog).
How do you pronounce it?
/pera/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should be cautious when using perra to describe a person, as it carries a strong derogatory connotation that 'female dog' does not have in English.
Did you know?
- The use of perra to refer to cash stems from the historical use of perra gorda and perra chica to distinguish between different coin denominations.
- Certain regional slangs have reclaimed the word perra to convey power and confidence, similar to the modern English phrase 'bad bitch'.
- In certain social contexts, calling someone a perra goes beyond simple vulgarity to specifically imply that the person is 'wicked' or socially cunning.
Examples in context
- En 1957, la Unión Soviética envió al espacio a una perra llamada Laika.In 1957, the Soviet Union sent a female dog named Laika into space.This sentence is useful for seeing how to refer to a specific female dog using perra.Tatoeba #4062946 by hayastan, translation #3625124 by Hybrid
- Tengo una perra y una gata.I have a female dog and a female cat.This sentence shows how to use perra when describing one's pets.Tatoeba #13787540 by Vortarulo, translation #13788225 by rul
- La perra es juguetona y lealThe female dog is playful and loyal
- Mi perrita es la más traviesa de todasMy little female dog is the most mischievous of them all
- ¡Ven aquí, chica!Come here, girl!
Example conversation
María and Daniel are talking about their pets.
- MaríaDaniel, ¿cómo está tu perra?Daniel, how is your female dog?
- DanielElla está muy bien, gracias.She is doing very well, thank you.
- MaríaQuiero adoptar una perra pronto.I want to adopt a female dog soon.
- DanielEso sería genial, María.That would be great, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries perra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
