chacal
/t͡ʃaˈkal/masculine
The Spanish word for jackal is chacal.
chacal is a masculine noun used to refer to the wild canine of the same name.
Meaning: wild canine (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
chacal is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃaˈkal/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, chacal is used as slang for a man who is physically attractive but potentially dangerous or a 'player'.
- In some contexts, chacal is used as a synonym for 'executioner' or 'henchman' who does the dirty work for a powerful boss.
- The word chacal traveled a vast distance to reach Spanish, originating in Sanskrit and passing through Persian and Ottoman Turkish before arriving via French.
Examples in context
- El chacal está aullando.The jackal is howling.This sentence shows the word chacal used to describe an animal howling.Tatoeba #1669046 by marcelostockle, translation #1663009 by Amastan
- No puedo rugir como un león. Soy un chacal.I cannot roar like a lion. I'm a jackal.This sentence uses chacal to express an identity in contrast to a lion.Tatoeba #1687303 by marcelostockle, translation #1687110 by Amastan
- Un zorro atrapado es más peligroso que un chacal.A cornered fox is more dangerous than a jackal.This sentence uses chacal in a comparison involving a fox.Tatoeba #832483 by LugoIlmer, translation #832485 by LugoIlmer
- El chacal es conocido por su astucia y tácticas de caza.The jackal is known for its cunning and hunting tactics.
- Vi un zorro en el bosque, pero luego me dijeron que era un chacal.I saw a jackal/fox in the forest, but then I was told it was a jackal.
- En ciertas regiones de México, el coyote se considera similar a un chacal.In certain regions of Mexico, the coyote is considered similar to a jackal.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are visiting a wildlife zoo.
- SofíaMira, Alejandro, aquel animal es un chacal.Look, Alejandro, that animal is a jackal.
- AlejandroParece un perro pequeño y salvaje.It looks like a small wild dog.
- SofíaSí, el chacal es muy inteligente.Yes, the jackal is very intelligent.
- AlejandroEs impresionante verlo de cerca.It is impressive to see it up close.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jackal” translations and entries chacal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chacal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
