rana toro
/ˌrana ˈtoɾo/feminine
The English phrase bullfrog is translated into Spanish as rana toro.
Meaning: bullfrog (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
This is a compound noun consisting of rana (frog) and toro (bull).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain parts of Latin America, particularly in Argentina and Uruguay, the informal term Chancho del Agua (water pig) is used to refer to the bullfrog.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine. Consequently, any adjectives used to describe the frog must also be in the feminine form, such as la rana toro verde.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌrana ˈtoɾo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word toro can be derived from two different Latin words: taurus for 'bull' and torus for 'swelling'.
- The term rana toro functions as a fixed name for the species, so it remains feminine even if you are talking about a male frog.
- The word toro in rana toro is a linguistic relative of the English word 'taurine', which is used in medical and scientific contexts to describe bull-like characteristics.
Examples in context
- La rana toro vive en el pantano.The bullfrog lives in the swamp.
- La rana toro es muy grande.The bullfrog is very large.
- Vi una rana toro en el estanque.I saw a bullfrog in the pond.
- Esa rana toro hace mucho ruido.That bullfrog makes a lot of noise.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are walking near a lake at night.
- Elena¿Escuchaste el sonido de la rana toro?Did you hear the sound of the bullfrog?
- JavierSí, es una rana toro muy fuerte.Yes, it is a very loud bullfrog.
- ElenaEs impresionante lo grande que es.It is impressive how big it is.
- JavierEs verdad, la naturaleza es asombrosa.It's true, nature is amazing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bullfrog” translations and entries rana toro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rana, toro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
