potro
/ˈpotɾo/
The English phrase "baby horse" is translated into Spanish as potro.
potro is the standard term for a young horse. Depending on the context, it can specifically refer to a young male horse that has not yet been castrated. Formally, if you are referring to the offspring of a horse in a general sense, you might use the phrase cría de caballo.
Which one should you use?
While potro is the standard term for a young horse, you may use potrillo to refer specifically to a very young foal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term is gendered. Use the feminine potra if the horse is female.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpotɾo/
Did you know?
- The word potro shares a root with the Latin pullus, which meant any 'young animal'. This is the same root that gave us the English word 'poultry' because chickens were considered young birds.
- Beyond the stable, potro is the specific term used for a pommel horse in gymnastics.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling a person a potro or potrillo can be a slang compliment, implying they are young, vigorous, or strong.
Examples in context
- El señor tiene una cría de caballo en su granjaThe gentleman has a baby horse on his farm
- El potro está aprendiendo a correr en el campoThe colt is learning to run in the field
- La potranca es muy traviesaThe filly is very mischievous
- El potro corre por el campo.The baby horse runs through the field.
- Ese potro es muy bonito.That baby horse is very pretty.
- Vimos un potro cerca del río.We saw a baby horse near the river.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are visiting a farm.
- Elena¿Viste aquel potro allí?Did you see that baby horse over there?
- MateoSí, es un potro muy fuerte.Yes, it is a very strong baby horse.
- ElenaParece que está muy sano.It looks like he is very healthy.
- MateoEs verdad, Elena.That's true, Elena.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry potro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries potro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
