cabra
/ˈkabɾa/feminine
The Spanish word for goat is cabra. Wiktionary also lists chivo.
Meaning: animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cabra | /ˈkabɾa/ | feminine |
| chivo | /ˈt͡ʃibo/ | masculine |
The word refers to the animal known as a goat. In Spanish, you may also encounter the term chivo when referring specifically to male goats or young goats. Additionally, the idiom estar loco como una cabra is used to describe someone acting extremely crazy or eccentric.
Which one should you use?
While cabra is the general term for a goat, chivo specifically refers to a male goat or a young goat.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine noun cabra becomes cabras in the plural. The masculine noun chivo becomes chivos in the plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkabɾa/
When do people say it?
The expression estar loco como una cabra is a common way to describe eccentric behavior.
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, chivo is used as slang for a 'snitch' or someone who tells secrets to the authorities.
- The English word 'capricious', meaning unpredictable, shares the same ancient root as cabra through the Latin 'caper'.
- In some regions, calling someone a cabra can be a colloquial way to call them stubborn or headstrong.
Examples in context
- Quiero ser una cabra.I want to be a goat.This sentence shows how to express a desire to be a cabra.Tatoeba #1239439 by hayastan, translation #1239490 by xellugis
- Ella ordeñó una cabra.She milked a goat.This sentence demonstrates the action of milking a cabra.Tatoeba #5824601 by albrusgher, translation #2879101 by Amastan
- La cabra está enferma.The goat is sick.This sentence is used to state that a cabra is ill.Tatoeba #13688892 by Seael, translation #10142222 by samir_t
- 51 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A man and a woman are looking at a farm.
- DanielMira esa cabra blanca.Look at that white goat.
- MaríaEs muy bonita, Daniel.It is very pretty, Daniel.
- Daniel¿La cabra tiene hambre?Is the goat hungry?
- MaríaCreo que sí.I think so.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goat” translations and entries cabra, chivo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cabra, chivo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
