¿este es tu perro?
The English phrase "is this your dog?" is translated into Spanish as ¿este es tu perro?
This phrase is used to ask if a specific dog belongs to the person you are speaking to. By including the word este (this), you are specifying a particular dog, such as one you are pointing at, rather than just asking if a dog is theirs in a general sense.
Which one should you use?
While ¿este es tu perro? translates to "Is this your dog?", the variation ¿es tu perro? is used to simply ask "Is it your dog?"
How does it change in a sentence?
To switch from an informal to a formal tone when identifying ownership, replace the informal possessive adjective tu with the formal su.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone a perro is not about dogs but refers to a person who is flirtatious or unfaithful in relationships.
- The word perro was originally a pejorative term meaning 'cur'. Over time it became the standard word for dog and replaced the more formal Latin-derived word can.
- Spanish has a dedicated word for a female dog, perra, which is used almost exclusively for females. Using perro for a female dog is common, but the reverse is rarely done unless the gender is unknown.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, ¿es este su perro?Excuse me, is this your dog?
- Hola, ¿este es tu perro?Hello, is this your dog?
Example conversation
María and Mateo are walking in a park when she sees a dog.
- MaríaMateo, ¿este es tu perro?Mateo, is this your dog?
- MateoSí, es mío.Yes, it is mine.
- MaríaEs muy bonito.He is very pretty.
- MateoGracias, María.Thank you, María.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries es, este, perro, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
