caballo
/kaˈbaʝo/masculine
The Spanish word for horse is caballo. Wiktionary also lists caballar.
Meaning: members of the species ''Equus ferus'' (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| caballo | /kaˈbaʝo/ | masculine |
| caballar | /kabaˈʝaɾ/ | attributive |
caballo is the most widely used term for a horse. You might use the word corcel to specifically refer to a steed or a charger, or the word crin to refer to a horse's mane. Idiomatically, the expression Ese proyecto fue un caballo desbocado is used to describe something that has gotten out of hand or out of control.
Which one should you use?
caballo is the masculine noun for a horse, while caballar is an attributive form.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of caballo is caballos. If you need to be more specific about the sex or age of the horse, you can use la yegua for a mare or el potro for a young horse or a colt/stallion.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈbaʝo/
Did you know?
- While caballo is the general term, the word potro describes a young male horse and is also used colloquially in some countries to describe a young man who is physically attractive or athletic.
- The word caballo may actually have Celtic roots, potentially stemming from the Proto-Celtic word *kaballos. This suggests a deep linguistic connection between the Spanish word and ancient Celtic languages.
- In the context of chess, the piece known in English as the 'knight' is called el caballo in Spanish.
Examples in context
- Esto es un caballo.This is a horse.This sentence is useful for identifying a horse using caballo.Tatoeba #1054322 by hayastan, translation #983650 by Arraroak
- Éste es mi caballo.This is my horse.This sentence is useful for expressing ownership of a horse using caballo.Tatoeba #1188934 by Shishir, translation #729048 by Shazback
- Este es su caballo.This is his horse.Tatoeba #2355817 by Shishir, translation #2348089 by Adelpa
- El caballo es un animal majestuoso.The horse is a majestic animal.
- Me encanta montar a caballo los fines de semana.I love horseback riding on weekends.
- Los pura sangre son muy rápidos en la pista.Purebred horses are very fast on the track.
- 213 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are at a farm.
- AlejandroMira aquel caballo blanco.Look at that white horse.
- SofíaEs muy hermoso, Alejandro.It is very beautiful, Alejandro.
- Alejandro¿Quieres montar el caballo?Do you want to ride the horse?
- SofíaSí, me encantaría.Yes, I would love to.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “horse” translations and entries caballo, caballar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caballar, caballo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
