sobrepastoreo
/sobɾepastoˈɾeo/masculine
Overgrazing in Spanish is sobrepastoreo.
The term refers to excessive grazing to an extent that the land is damaged.
Meaning: excessive grazing to an extent that the land is damaged (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of the prefix sobre- (over/excessive) and pastoreo (grazing/herding).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, sobrepastoreo is sometimes used instead of sobreexplotación de pastizales. In Spain, Sobreexplotación de pastos might be used instead of sobreexplotación de pastizales.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can convert the noun sobrepastoreo into the verb sobrepastorear (to overgraze) by replacing the noun suffix with the infinitive suffix. A common way to use this verb is with the phrase sobrepastorear el terreno (to overgraze the land).
How do you pronounce it?
/sobɾepastoˈɾeo/
Did you know?
- While sobrepastoreo is technical, rural speakers might describe the result using pelar la tierra, which literally means 'to peel the earth'.
- The verb pastorear is also used figuratively in Spanish to mean 'to guide' or 'to direct' a group of people, much like a shepherd guides sheep.
- The word pastoreo comes from pastor, meaning 'shepherd'. While English uses 'grazing' to focus on the animal's action, the Spanish term focuses on the human act of herding.
Examples in context
- La sobreexplotación de pastizales puede tener consecuencias negativas en la biodiversidad de la zona.Overgrazing can have negative consequences on the biodiversity of the area.
- El exceso de pastoreo ha llevado a la degradación de los pastizales en esta región.Excessive grazing has led to the degradation of the pastures in this region.
- Debemos controlar el daño causado por el pastoreo excesivo para preservar nuestros recursos naturales.We must control the damage caused by excessive grazing to preserve our natural resources.
- El sobrepastoreo daña la flora local.Overgrazing damages the local flora.
- Debemos evitar el sobrepastoreo en estas tierras.We must avoid overgrazing on these lands.
- El sobrepastoreo es un problema grave aquí.Overgrazing is a serious problem here.
Example conversation
Two farmers are discussing the health of their pasture.
- ElenaJavier, el suelo está muy seco.Javier, the soil is very dry.
- JavierEs culpa del sobrepastoreo constante.It is the fault of constant overgrazing.
- ElenaTienes razón, la hierba no crece.You are right, the grass is not growing.
- JavierNecesitamos rotar a los animales pronto.We need to rotate the animals soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “overgrazing” translations and entries sobrepastoreo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
