perra
/pera/from spelling rules
The English phrase "girl dog" is translated into Spanish as perra.
perra is used to refer specifically to a female dog.
Which one should you use?
While perra refers to a female dog, the masculine form perro is used for a male dog or as a general term for dogs regardless of their sex.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
perra is considered an informal word. It is often used as a vulgar insult directed at women, so you should use it with caution unless you are in a literal or veterinary context.
How do you pronounce it?
/pera/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful when using perra because it can be perceived as a vulgar insult toward women. In non-veterinary contexts, it is safer to use a different term if you are not specifically referring to a female animal.
Did you know?
- In certain Spanish-speaking contexts, particularly in Spain, the phrase perra gorda refers to a banknote or a piece of paper money rather than a large female dog.
- The historical connection between the word perra and money likely stems from the use of the term to describe specific coins, which eventually led to the slang for 'cash' used today.
- Spanish speakers often use the diminutive perrita to reduce the aggressive or vulgar tone associated with perra.
Examples in context
- Mi amiga tiene una perra llamada Luna.My friend has a dog named Luna.
- El veterinario me recomendó adoptar un perro hembra.The veterinarian recommended me to adopt a female dog.
- Tengo una perra de raza pequeña.I have a small breed girl dog.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are at a park.
- SofíaMira, esa perra es muy bonita.Look, that dog is very pretty.
- AlejandroSí, tiene el pelo muy brillante.Yes, she has very shiny fur.
- SofíaCreo que es una perra joven.I think she is a young dog.
- AlejandroParece que tiene mucha energía.It seems like she has a lot of energy.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries perra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
