chancho
everyday, Chile
In Chile the everyday word for "pig" is chancho. Cerdo is the standard word and is used for the animal in a formal way and for the meat. It is also called chanchito.
Meaning: farm animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| chancho | everyday, Chile |
| cerdo | standard |
| chanchito | diminutive |
Chileans say un chancho for the animal on a farm and un chanchito for a small or cute one. A piggy bank is called a chanchito too.
Which one should you use?
Cerdo is preferred in textbooks and when talking about meat, as in carne de cerdo. Chancho is the spoken word.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Chancho is used in Chile and in several other Latin American countries, while Spain says cerdo or cochino.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Calling a person chancho is an insult meaning dirty or greedy, so use it only for the animal.
Did you know?
- Chancho en piedra is a Chilean fresh condiment made with tomato, garlic and chili, and it has nothing to do with the animal in the dish itself.
Examples in context
- El chancho está en el corral.The pig is in the pen.
- Mi hija ahorra en su chanchito.My daughter saves in her piggy bank.
- Compramos carne de cerdo.We bought pork.
Example conversation
Tomás visits a farm near Osorno with his grandfather Don Aurelio.
- TomásAbuelo, ¿cuántos chanchos tiene?Grandpa, how many pigs do you have?
- Don AurelioTengo seis, y una chancha con crías.I have six, and a sow with piglets.
- Tomás¡Qué chanchitos más lindos!What cute little pigs!
- Don AurelioPero no los toques mucho.But do not touch them too much.
