cordero
/koɾˈdeɾo/masculine
The Spanish word for lamb is cordero.
cordero is a masculine noun used to refer to a young sheep.
Meaning: young sheep (noun)
Which one should you use?
While cordero is the standard term, borrego is often used in certain Latin American countries like Mexico. For a more specific, affectionate context, you can use the diminutive corderito to refer to a small or young lamb.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Castile and parts of northern Spain, lechazo is used to refer specifically to a young, milk-fed lamb. In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico, borrego is a common way to say lamb.
How does it change in a sentence?
cordero is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/koɾˈdeɾo/
Did you know?
- The word cordero replaced the older word año because año sounded exactly like the word for 'year'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, referring to someone as a borrego can be an insult, implying they are a 'follower' who lacks a critical mind.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, calling someone a cordero can imply they are exceptionally innocent or even a bit naive.
Examples in context
- En la cena comí cordero preparado en cuatro formas diferentes.For dinner, I had lamb cooked four different ways.This sentence shows how to describe eating cordero prepared in various ways.Tatoeba #5022713 by don_ramon, translation #5019877 by DostKaplan
- Nadie es tan infortunado como el cordero: o es cornudo, o es castrado, o es sacrificado.No one is as unlucky as a lamb: he is either dehorned, or castrated, or sacrificed.This sentence uses cordero in a metaphorical way to describe misfortune.Tatoeba #6149758 by emigonza, translation #13511336 by MarkiPairPliers
- La democracia funciona cuando la decisión sobre el menú de esta noche es tomada por dos lobos y un cordero.Democracy works when the decision about the evening menu is made by two wolves and a lamb.This sentence uses cordero in a political metaphor regarding a menu decision.Tatoeba #4849312 by hayastan, translation #4852642 by Serveto
- Me encanta el sabor de la carne de cordero en guisos tradicionales.I love the taste of lamb meat in traditional stews.
- Quisiera probar la pierna de cordero al horno, por favor.I would like to try the roasted lamb leg, please.
- Hoy en la cena vamos a disfrutar de un rico lechazo al horno. ¿Te gusta?Tonight for dinner, we're going to enjoy a delicious oven-roasted young lamb. Do you like it?
- La barbacoa de borrego es una delicia típica de varias regiones de México.Lamb barbacoa is a typical delicacy in various regions of Mexico.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is ordering food at a restaurant.
- Daniel¿Vas a pedir el cordero?Are you going to order the lamb?
- ElenaNo, prefiero el pollo.No, I prefer the chicken.
- DanielEstá bien, yo probaré el cordero.That's fine, I will try the lamb.
- ElenaEspero que esté muy rico.I hope it is very delicious.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lamb” translations and entries cordero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cordero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
