perro malo
/pero malo/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "bad dog" is perro malo.
Perro malo is used to describe a dog that behaves poorly or is not well-trained. Depending on the context, it can be used with an informal tone to take on an affectionate and playful meaning.
Which one should you use?
You can also use perrito malo to convey a caring tone through the use of a diminutive.
Did you know?
- Some linguists believe perro originated from a specific vocal call used to summon dogs, much like how we use names or sounds today.
- Spanish uses the suffix -ito in perrito malo not just to indicate size, but to soften the criticism of the dog's behavior.
Examples in context
- Cuidado con el perro malo.Be careful with the bad dog.This sentence is useful for learning how to use perro malo in a warning.Tatoeba #2095897 by marcelostockle, translation #7822740 by eggershead
- ¡Perro malo! ¡No hagas eso!Bad dog! Don't do that!
- Ese es un perro malo.That is a bad dog.
- No quiero un perro malo.I do not want a bad dog.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are watching a dog chew a shoe.
- Alejandro¡Mira lo que hizo ese perro malo!Look at what that bad dog did!
- LucíaNo quiere dejar el zapato.He doesn't want to let go of the shoe.
- Alejandro¡Perro malo, suelta eso ahora!Bad dog, drop that now!
- LucíaAl menos es muy gracioso.At least he is very funny.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries malo, perro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
