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 word perro is the most common and standard Spanish word for a dog. You can also use the diminutive perrito to express affection or endearment towards a dog.
Which one should you use?
While perro is the standard term, can is a more technical or formal word used specifically in biological or veterinary contexts. Tuso is also a masculine form for dog.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Can is considered a formal term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin American countries, the informal word chucho is used to affectionately refer to stray dogs or dogs of mixed breeds.
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 many Spanish speaking regions, calling someone a perro can be a slang way to describe a person who is flirtatious or unfaithful in their romantic relationships.
- The common word perro may have originated from a specific vocal command used to call or set dogs upon something.
Examples in context
- Vi a un perro.I saw a dog.This sentence is useful for practicing how to use perro with an indefinite article.Tatoeba #1667390 by marcelostockle, translation #378503 by CK
- El perro es mío.The dog is mine.This sentence is useful for practicing how to use perro with a definite article.Tatoeba #508664 by Shishir, translation #493294 by CM
- Ese es mi perro.This is my dog.This sentence is useful for practicing how to use perro with a possessive adjective.Tatoeba #1551463 by Shishir, translation #67056 by CK
- Me encanta jugar con mi perro todas las tardes.I love playing with my dog every evening.
- Los perros pueden ser muy leales.Dogs can be very loyal.
- Mi vecino tiene un perro pequeño y amigable.My neighbor has a small and friendly dog.
- El can es considerado el mejor amigo del hombre.The dog is considered man's best friend.
- Mi abuela tiene un lindo perrito llamado Max.My grandmother has a cute little dog named Max.
- ¡Mira ese perrico tan tierno!Look at that adorable little dog!
- En el parque, siempre hay varios chuchos jugando juntos.In the park, there are always several stray dogs playing together.
- ¡Mira qué patas más grandes tiene ese perro!Look at how big that dog's paws are!
- 1304 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are walking in a park.
- DanielMira ese perro blanco.Look at that white dog.
- LucíaEs un perro muy bonito.It is a very pretty dog.
- Daniel¿Quieres jugar con él?Do you want to play with him?
- LucíaNo, el perro es muy rápido.No, the dog is very fast.
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.
