gallinero
/ɡaʝiˈneɾo/
The English phrase "chicken coop" is translated into Spanish as gallinero.
gallinero refers to a building or enclosure where chickens are kept.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of gallina (hen) and the suffix -ero, which denotes a place or a person associated with the noun.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions of Mexico, the term gallinera is used to refer to a chicken coop.
How does it change in a sentence?
gallinero is a masculine noun. The plural form is gallineros.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡaʝiˈneɾo/
Did you know?
- In colloquial Spanish, calling a place a gallinero can describe a scene of absolute chaos, noise, and overcrowding, regardless of whether any birds are present.
- While gallinero is the standard term, using the suffix -ero on a noun can also transform it into a person who handles that object, meaning a gallinero can sometimes refer to a person who tends to hens.
- The word gallinero shares a common ancestor with the English word 'gallus', which is the Latin scientific name for the genus of chickens.
Examples in context
- El gallinero se construyó en el patio traseroThe chicken coop was built in the backyard
- Los pollitos están en el corral de gallinasThe chicks are in the chicken pen
- El gallinero es muy grande.The chicken coop is very large.
- Tenemos que limpiar el gallinero hoy.We have to clean the chicken coop today.
- Las gallinas están dentro del gallinero.The chickens are inside the chicken coop.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are working in their backyard garden.
- Daniel¿Dónde están las gallinas, María?Where are the chickens, María?
- MaríaEstán en el gallinero.They are in the chicken coop.
- DanielPerfecto, voy a buscar el alimento.Perfect, I'm going to look for the food.
- MaríaGracias, Daniel, yo te ayudo.Thanks, Daniel, I'll help you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry gallinero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gallinero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
