perro
/ˈpero/masculine
The Spanish word for dog is 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 |
To represent the sound a dog makes, Spanish speakers use the onomatopoeia Guau Guau.
Which one should you use?
While perro is the common word for dog, can is a more technical or formal term used in veterinary or scientific contexts. Tuso is another masculine form used for the animal.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
can is used in formal, scientific or veterinary contexts to refer to a dog.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Chile, perro is the most common and standard term for dog.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is masculine as perro. To refer specifically to a female dog, use the feminine form perra. For a small or young dog, you may use perrito.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpero/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone a perro can be a slang term for a womanizer or a flirt.
- The word perro may have originally been a derogatory term for a 'cur' or an unwanted dog before it became the standard word for all dogs.
- In some contexts, the feminine form perra is used as a strong insult toward people, carrying a much harsher connotation than the masculine perro.
Examples in context
- Vi a un perro.I saw a dog.This sentence is useful for practicing the word perro.Tatoeba #1667390 by marcelostockle, translation #378503 by CK
- El perro es mío.The dog is mine.Tatoeba #508664 by Shishir, translation #493294 by CM
- Ese es mi perro.This is my dog.Tatoeba #1551463 by Shishir, translation #67056 by CK
- El perro es el mejor amigo del hombre.The dog is man's best friend.
- Mi hermana tiene un perrito muy juguetón.My sister has a very playful little dog.
- 1304 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are at a park.
- DanielMira ese perro tan grande.Look at that big dog.
- MaríaEs muy bonito, Daniel.It is very pretty, Daniel.
- Daniel¿Crees que el perro es manso?Do you think the dog is tame?
- MaríaSí, parece muy tranquilo.Yes, it seems very calm.
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.
