perro
/ˈpero/masculine
The English word dog is translated into Spanish as perro. Wiktionary also lists can and tuso.
Meaning: animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| perro | /ˈpero/ | masculine |
| can | /ˈkan/ | formal, masculine |
| tuso | /ˈtuso/ | masculine |
The primary way to refer to the animal is through the noun perro. A related verb is perseguir, which means to pursue with the intent to catch.
Which one should you use?
Use the masculine form perro to refer to a male dog or when the sex of the dog is unknown. If the dog is female, use the feminine form perra.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For more formal or technical contexts, such as veterinary or scientific discussions, you may use can. An informal way to refer to a small dog or a puppy is perrito.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and parts of Central America, the term chucho is used to refer to a dog, specifically a mutt or a mixed-breed animal.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form is perro and the feminine form is perra.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpero/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, calling someone a perro can be used as a slang term for a promiscuous person or a 'player'.
- While it is the standard word for the animal today, perro originally had a negative or pejorative connotation, much like the English word 'cur'.
- The word perro might have started as a way to call dogs, similar to how one might use a command or a vocal signal to get an animal's attention.
Examples in context
- Vi a un perro.I saw a dog.This sentence shows how to use perro to indicate seeing a dog.Tatoeba #1667390 by marcelostockle, translation #378503 by CK
- El perro es mío.The dog is mine.This sentence uses perro to show possession.Tatoeba #508664 by Shishir, translation #493294 by CM
- Ese es mi perro.This is my dog.This sentence uses perro to identify a dog as one's own.Tatoeba #1551463 by Shishir, translation #67056 by CK
- En la reunión de negocios, necesitamos hablar acerca de nuestro nuevo perro de la compañía.In the business meeting, we need to discuss our new company dog.
- ¡Mira qué lindo perrito! ¿De quién es?Look at that cute little dog! Whose is it?
- Mis vecinos adoptaron un chucho de la calle y ahora es parte de la familia.My neighbors adopted a mutt from the street, and now it's part of the family.
- 1304 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are walking through a park.
- JavierMira ese perro, es muy bonito.Look at that dog, it is very pretty.
- SofíaSí, Javier, es muy tierno.Yes, Javier, he is very cute.
- Javier¿Quieres jugar con el perro?Do you want to play with the dog?
- SofíaNo, tengo miedo de los perros.No, I am afraid of dogs.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dog” translations and entries perro, can, tuso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries can, perro, tuso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
