ladrar
/laˈdɾaɾ/
To bark in Spanish is to say ladrar.
The verb ladrar is used to describe the action of a dog making a loud noise. When you want to say a dog is barking at someone or something, you typically use the preposition a after the verb, forming the structure ladrar a.
Meaning: to make a loud noise (dogs) (verb)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between different meanings of the English word 'bark'. Use ladrar for the action of a dog making a sound, whereas corteza refers to the exterior covering of a tree. Additionally, while ladrar is the verb, ladrido is the noun used to describe a single, short, loud or explosive bark.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the expression guau is widely recognized as an informal way to represent the sound of barking.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular present form of this verb is ladra (he/she/it barks). If you need to use the gerund to say someone or something is currently barking, use ladrando.
How do you pronounce it?
/laˈdɾaɾ/
Did you know?
- The English word 'latrate', which means to bark, is a direct linguistic relative of the Spanish ladrar.
- In certain Spanish-speaking contexts, if a person is 'ladrando', it is a metaphorical way to say they are shouting or complaining loudly and aggressively.
- In some Spanish idioms, ladrar can be used to describe a person who talks a lot but never takes action, similar to the English 'all bark and no bite'.
Examples in context
- Un perro le ladrará a los extraños.A dog will bark at strangers.This sentence shows how to use ladrar when a dog barks at someone.Tatoeba #2505571 by marcelostockle, translation #239190 by CK
- De repente, un perro empezó a ladrar.Suddenly, a dog began to bark.This sentence demonstrates the use of ladrar to describe the start of a barking action.Tatoeba #4968016 by Shishir, translation #4967945 by AlanF_US
- No puedo ladrar como un perro. Soy un gato.I cannot bark like a dog. I'm a cat.This sentence uses ladrar to show a comparison of sounds.Tatoeba #3302420 by gianich73, translation #1681878 by Amastan
- El perro comenzó a ladrar fuertemente.The dog started barking loudly.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are standing in front of a neighbor's house.
- DanielEscucha, ese perro no deja de ladrar.Listen, that dog won't stop barking.
- SofíaSí, parece que está muy nervioso.Yes, it seems like he is very nervous.
- Daniel¿Crees que el perro va a ladrar más fuerte?Do you think the dog is going to bark louder?
- SofíaProbablemente, si seguimos cerca de la puerta.Probably, if we stay near the door.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bark” translations and entries ladrar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ladrar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
