circo
/ˈθiɾko/masculine
The English word 'circus' is translated into Spanish as circo.
The word circo refers to a company that travels. Beyond its literal meaning, the expression Montar un circo is used metaphorically to describe a chaotic situation or disorganized event.
Meaning: company that travels (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
circo is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈθiɾko/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word circo shares a surprising historical connection with the word cerco, which means 'fence' or 'enclosure'.
- In some Latin American countries, calling a political situation a circo is a very common way to insult the professionalism of government officials.
- While circo refers to the show, Spanish uses the word carpa to specifically describe the big top tent, which is the heart of the traveling experience.
Examples in context
- Vayamos mañana al circo.Let's go to the circus tomorrow.This sentence is useful for suggesting a trip to the circo.Tatoeba #2260361 by marcelostockle, translation #1867347 by CM
- El payaso volvió al circo.The clown went back to the circus.This sentence is useful for describing a clown returning to the circo.Tatoeba #1843888 by hayastan, translation #10836758 by Lebensfreude
- Tom no quería ir con Mary al circo.Tom didn't want to go to the circus with Mary.This sentence is useful for expressing a person's reluctance to go to the circo.Tatoeba #12268385 by adaycito, translation #4132361 by CK
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are talking about a poster they saw downtown.
- SofíaMira, el circo llega a la ciudad mañana.Look, the circus arrives in the city tomorrow.
- AlejandroMe encanta el circo, ¿vamos juntos?I love the circus, shall we go together?
- SofíaSí, quiero ver los acróbatas del circo.Yes, I want to see the circus acrobats.
- AlejandroPerfecto, compraré los boletos ahora mismo.Perfect, I will buy the tickets right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “circus” translations and entries circo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries circo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
