Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| poni | /ˈponi/ | masculine |
| caballito | /kabaˈʝito/ | masculine |
| póney | /ponei/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| jaca | /ˈxaka/ | feminine |
| asturión | /astuɾjon/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| cuartago | /kwaɾtaɡo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The terms in this list all refer to a small horse. While poni is a loanword used for the specific breed or type of small horse, other terms may carry different nuances of affection or regionality.
What does it mean word for word?
The word caballito is the diminutive form of caballo (horse) and literally means 'little horse'.
Which one should you use?
Poni is the specific loanword for the breed or type of small horse. In contrast, caballito is a more general and affectionate term for any small horse.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Caballito is often used in a more informal or endearing way. For a formal expression, you can use Equino de tamaño reducido, which means 'reduced-size equine'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, caballito is sometimes used to mean pony.
How does it change in a sentence?
poni is a masculine noun. Its plural form is ponis. Other forms include the feminine jaca and the masculine forms asturión and cuartago.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈponi/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish speaking countries, caballito describes a 'wheelie' performed on a bicycle or motorcycle.
- The term caballito is also used to describe a small shot glass used for drinking tequila or aguardiente.
- The Spanish word jaca originally comes from 'hack', which refers to the London borough of Hackney and its famous horses.
Examples in context
- Tom no puede distinguir a un caballo de un poni.Tom can't tell a horse from a pony.This sentence is useful for showing the distinction between a horse and a poni.Tatoeba #1990744 by marcelostockle, translation #1026727 by CK
- Sofía tenía su propio poni. Se lo había dado su padre.Sophie had her own pony. It had been given to her by her father.This sentence shows the use of poni when discussing ownership.Tatoeba #1793642 by Shishir, translation #1259915 by Scott
- Quiero un poni para Navidad.I want a pony for Christmas.This sentence illustrates how to express a desire for a poni.Tatoeba #12922065 by deniko, translation #12225574 by CK
- Mi hija tiene un equino de tamaño reducidoMy daughter has a pony
- Voy a montar un pony en el zoológicoI'm going to ride a pony at the zoo
- Vamos a pasear en un caballito en la feriaLet's go for a ride on a pony at the fair
- A mi hija le encantaría tener un pony en su cumpleañosMy daughter would love to have a pony for her birthday
- Vamos a la feria y montamos en un caballitoLet's go to the fair and ride a pony
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are visiting a farm.
- AlejandroMira ese poni tan pequeño.Look at that very small pony.
- MaríaEs muy lindo y parece amable.It is very cute and seems friendly.
- Alejandro¿Crees que el poni deja montar niños?Do you think the pony lets children ride?
- MaríaSí, María dice que es para principiantes.Yes, María says it is for beginners.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pony” translations and entries poni, caballito, jaca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caballito, jaca, poni, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
