toro
/ˈtoɾo/masculine
The English word "bull" is translated into Spanish as toro.
toro is a masculine noun used to describe an uncastrated adult male bovine.
Meaning: uncastrated adult male bovine (noun)
Which one should you use?
Use toro specifically for an uncastrated male. In contrast, vaca refers to a cow and buey refers to a castrated ox. The plural form of toro is toros.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase toro bravo is used to refer specifically to a fighting bull.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtoɾo/
When do people say it?
The term toro bravo describes the specific breed of bulls used in Spanish bullfighting.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word toro can refer to a 'bull' or a 'bulge', such as a decorative molding or a cushion. These two meanings come from completely different Latin roots.
- In certain Spanish-speaking contexts, the word toro can be used to describe a person who is incredibly strong or physically imposing, much like the English slang 'bull'.
- While toro is the animal, the term torazo uses a specific Spanish suffix to describe a bull that is not just large, but impressively massive.
Examples in context
- Eso es un toro.That's a bull.This sentence is useful for identifying a bull using toro.Tatoeba #12580001 by Sabir, translation #12502871 by rul
- El toro está mugiendo.The bull is mooing.This sentence is useful for describing the action of a bull using toro.Tatoeba #1668995 by marcelostockle, translation #1662818 by Amastan
- Cuidado, es un toro bravo.Be careful. It's a fierce bull.This sentence is useful for expressing caution regarding a bull using toro.Tatoeba #2261538 by cueyayotl, translation #2261537 by _undertoad
- El toro es un animal imponenteThe bull is an impressive animal.
- Vimos un toro en la feriaWe saw a bull at the fair.
- El toro bravo embistió al toreroThe fighting bull charged at the bullfighter.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are looking at a farm from a distance.
- JavierMira aquel toro negro.Look at that black bull.
- MaríaEs muy grande, Javier.He is very big, Javier.
- JavierParece un toro muy fuerte.He looks like a very strong bull.
- MaríaNo nos acerquemos mucho.Let's not get too close.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bull” translations and entries toro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries toro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
