toreo
/toˈɾeo/masculine
In Spanish, bullfighting is called toreo. If unsure, use toreo. Wiktionary also lists tauromaquia and corrida de toros.
Meaning: spectacle of manipulating and killing a bull (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| toreo | /toˈɾeo/ | masculine |
| tauromaquia | /tauɾoˈmakja/ | feminine |
| corrida de toros | /koˌrida de ˈtoɾos/ | feminine |
The term refers to the spectacle of manipulating and killing a bull. Related terms include torero for the person who performs in a bullfight and torear to describe the act of performing in a bullfight.
Which one should you use?
While toreo is the general term, corrida de toros is used to refer specifically to the actual event or the scheduled fight itself. Tauromaquia refers to the technical, artistic or academic discipline of the sport.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Spain and some Latin American countries, the phrase la capea is used to describe an informal event where amateurs practice bullfighting without killing the bull.
How do you pronounce it?
/toˈɾeo/
Did you know?
- The verb torear can be used figuratively in everyday Spanish to mean 'to dodge' or 'to maneuver around' a difficult person or a tricky situation.
- The term corrida de toros translates literally to 'running of bulls', though the event is far more stationary and ritualistic than a literal race.
- The term tauromaquia is derived from the Ancient Greek words for 'bull' and 'battle'. This makes it the most formal and academic way to discuss the discipline.
Examples in context
- ¿Qué es el toreo?What is bullfighting?This sentence is useful for asking for a definition of toreo.Tatoeba #6602899 by arh, translation #1656446 by CK
- Ayer asistí a la corrida de toros en la plaza de toros de Madrid.Yesterday, I attended a bullfight at the bullring in Madrid.
- Me gusta aprender sobre la historia de la tauromaquia.I enjoy learning about the history of bullfighting.
- ¿Has ido a los toros alguna vez?Have you ever been to a bullfight?
- El toreo es una tradición antigua.Bullfighting is an ancient tradition.
- No me gusta el toreo.I do not like bullfighting.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are discussing cultural traditions at a café.
- Elena¿Te interesa el toreo?Are you interested in bullfighting?
- MateoNo, no me gusta nada.No, I don't like it at all.
- ElenaEs una pena, es muy famoso.That's a shame, it is very famous.
- MateoLo sé, pero prefiero otros espectáculos.I know, but I prefer other shows.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bullfighting” translations and entries toreo, tauromaquia, corrida de toros, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries corrida, corrida de toros, de, tauromaquia, toreo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
