raza
/ˈraθa/feminine
The Spanish word for the English phrase 'breed' (referring to animals or plants of the same species) is raza. Wiktionary also lists variedad.
Meaning: all animals or plants of the same species or subspecies (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| raza | /ˈraθa/ /ˈrasa/ |
feminine |
| variedad | /baɾjeˈdad/ | feminine |
raza is used to refer to a breed of animal. When describing a breed, it is common to use the verb ser (to be) followed by the term. In a human context, raza translates to 'race' and can carry heavy social or political connotations depending on the region.
Which one should you use?
raza is used for animal breeds, while variedad is the preferred term when referring to different breeds or types of plants (meaning 'variety').
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico and Argentina, the term Raza pura is used to specify a purebred animal.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
raza is a feminine noun. The plural form is razas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈraθa/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, the phrase la raza is often used as a colloquial and affectionate term to refer to the common people or the community.
- The word raza likely comes from the Latin radius, meaning 'ray' or 'spoke of a wheel'.
Examples in context
- Es una raza nueva.It's a new breed.This sentence is useful for describing a new breed using raza.Tatoeba #6586315 by arh, translation #6583894 by Eccles17
- ¿Cuál es tu raza de perro favorita?What's your favorite breed of dog?This sentence is useful for asking about a favorite dog breed using raza.Tatoeba #1696285 by teskmon, translation #906706 by CK
- Los gatos de esa raza no tienen cola.Cats of that breed have no tail.This sentence is useful for describing cats of a specific breed using raza.Tatoeba #5201359 by albrusgher, translation #5086921 by AlanF_US
- El perro de mi vecino es de raza labradorMy neighbor's dog is a Labrador breed
- Mi abuela tiene un gato de raza puraMy grandmother has a purebred cat
- El galgo es una raza de perro muy velozThe Greyhound is a very fast breed of dog
- ¿Qué raza es tu perro?What breed is your dog?
- ¿De qué raza es tu gato?What breed is your cat?
- Los caballos de razas diferentes corren juntosHorses of different breeds run together
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are visiting a local farm.
- Alejandro¿Conoces esta raza de cabra?Do you know this breed of goat?
- ElenaNo, es una raza que nunca había visto.No, it is a breed I had never seen before.
- AlejandroEs muy especial y muy productiva.It is very special and very productive.
- ElenaEs impresionante lo buena que es.It is impressive how good it is.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “breed” translations and entries raza, variedad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries raza, variedad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
