ganso
/ˈɡanso/masculine
The Spanish word for goose is ganso. If unsure, use ganso. Wiktionary also lists oca and ánsar.
Meaning: a grazing waterfowl of the family Anatidae (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ganso | /ˈɡanso/ | masculine |
| oca | /ˈoka/ | feminine |
| ánsar | /ˈansaɾ/ | formal, masculine |
The word is used to describe a grazing waterfowl of the family Anatidae.
Which one should you use?
ganso is the most common way to refer to a goose in everyday Spanish. oca is more specific, referring to certain species like the Egyptian goose and frequently appearing in culinary contexts. ánsar is a technical or formal term often used in biology or ornithology.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ánsar should be used in formal or scientific contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
ganso is a masculine noun, while oca is a feminine noun. ánsar is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡanso/
Did you know?
- The word oca has two completely different origins, as it was also borrowed from the Quechua language spoken in the Andes.
- The word oca is famously used in the traditional children's board game Juego de la Oca, known in English as the Game of the Goose.
Examples in context
- Un ganso es un ave de agua.A goose is a water bird.This sentence is useful for defining what a goose is.Tatoeba #3990426 by gianich73, translation #63700 by Zifre
- Nuestro ganso está cocinado.Our goose is cooked.This sentence shows how the word is used when referring to cooked meat.Tatoeba #1563214 by teskmon, translation #452799 by Clavain
- ¡Ganso, lo estás haciendo todo mal!You goose, you're doing it all wrong!This sentence illustrates using the word as a playful or critical label for a person.Tatoeba #5822610 by albrusgher, translation #4525404 by Ooneykcall
- Los gansos vuelan juntos en forma de "V".Geese fly together in a "V" formation.
- Los gansitos son adorables cuando son pequeños.Goslings are adorable when they are small.
- Los patos y los gansos nadan en el lago.Ducks and geese swim in the lake.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are walking in a park near a lake.
- ElenaMira, hay un ganso cerca del agua.Look, there is a goose near the water.
- MateoEs un ganso muy grande, Elena.It is a very large goose, Elena.
- ElenaParece que tiene mucha hambre.It looks like he is very hungry.
- MateoNo le des pan, por favor.Don't give him bread, please.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goose” translations and entries ganso, oca, ánsar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ganso, oca, ánsar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
