ternero
/teɾˈneɾo/masculine
In Spanish, the English word 'calf' (referring to a young cow or bull) is translated as ternero. Wiktionary also lists becerro.
Meaning: young cow or bull (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ternero | /teɾˈneɾo/ | masculine |
| becerro | /beˈθero/ /beˈsero/ |
masculine |
Both ternero and becerro are masculine nouns used to describe a young cow or bull.
Is it said differently in some regions?
While both terms mean calf, becerro is more commonly used in certain regions like Mexico and parts of Central America, whereas ternero is more widespread in many other Spanish-speaking countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural forms are terneros and becerros. If you wish to specify a female calf, you should use the feminine forms ternera (for ternero) or becerra (for becerro).
How do you pronounce it?
/teɾˈneɾo/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, becerro is used colloquially to describe someone who is naive or acting like a child.
- The word becerro is an linguistic mystery because its true origin is likely not Latin, but potentially from ancient Basque or Iberian languages.
- Depending on the region, the choice between ternero and becerro may depend on the animal's exact age in months rather than just the word's meaning.
Examples in context
- Tom marcó el ternero.Tom branded the calf.This sentence shows how to use ternero regarding branding.Tatoeba #6882953 by diegohn, translation #1026963 by CK
- El ternero ha desaparecido, pero aún queda una vaca.The calf has disappeared, but there is still a cow.This sentence uses ternero to describe a calf that has disappeared.Tatoeba #11945489 by carlosalberto, translation #7808091 by sharris123
- El ternero que acaba de nacer tiene problemas para levantarse.The calf that has just been born has trouble getting up.This sentence uses ternero to describe a newborn calf's difficulty standing.Tatoeba #10081960 by carlosalberto, translation #10081954 by carlosalberto
- Vi a un bonito ternero en la granja.I saw a cute calf at the farm.
- La ternera está alimentándose de su madre.The calf is nursing from its mother.
- La bezerra es muy juguetona.The calf is very playful.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are visiting a farm.
- MaríaMira ese ternero tan pequeño.Look at that tiny calf.
- AlejandroEs muy lindo, María.It is very cute, María.
- María¿Podemos darle de comer al ternero?Can we feed the calf?
- AlejandroSí, vamos a preguntar al granjero.Yes, let's ask the farmer.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “calf” translations and entries ternero, becerro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries becerro, ternero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
