cachorro
/kaˈt͡ʃoro/masculine
In Spanish, the English phrase "puppy" is translated as cachorro. Wiktionary also lists perrito.
Meaning: young dog (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cachorro | /kaˈt͡ʃoro/ | masculine |
| perrito | /peˈrito/ | masculine |
The primary way to refer to a puppy is cachorro. However, this term is not limited to dogs. It is also used to refer to the young of other mammals, such as a lion cub or a bear cub.
Which one should you use?
Cachorro is the standard and neutral term for a young animal. In contrast, perrito is the diminutive of perro (dog) and is used to express endearment or to describe a small dog, often translating to "little puppy" or "little dog."
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify a female puppy, use the feminine form cachorra. For the diminutive perrito, the feminine form is perrita. The plural of cachorro is cachorros.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈtʃoro/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, cachorro can be used as a slang term for a young, inexperienced person or a 'rookie'.
- The word cachorro likely shares a common ancestor with the word cacho, which refers to a 'chub' fish.
- In some Latin American countries, the term perrito is used in the name of a popular street food, the perrito caliente, which is the equivalent of a 'hot dog'.
Examples in context
- El cachorro se escapó.The puppy ran away.This sentence shows the use of cachorro for a puppy that ran away.Tatoeba #10168982 by Seael, translation #10561394 by DJ_Saidez
- Ella salvó al cachorro.She saved the puppy.This sentence demonstrates cachorro used in the context of saving a puppy.Tatoeba #5824448 by albrusgher, translation #2875850 by Amastan
- Voy a tener un perrito.I'm getting a puppy.This sentence shows how to use perrito to say you are getting a puppy.Tatoeba #7929802 by Seael, translation #7114045 by CM
- ¡Qué lindo cachorro tienes!What a cute puppy you have!
- Los perritos son juguetones.Puppies are playful.
- ¡Ven aquí, perrito!Come here, little puppy!
- ¿Has visto al cachorrito de mi vecino? Es tan tierno.Have you seen my neighbor's puppy? It's so adorable.
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are at a pet store.
- AlejandroMira ese cachorro tan pequeño.Look at that very small puppy.
- Sofía¿Quieres comprar ese cachorro, Alejandro?Do you want to buy that puppy, Alejandro?
- AlejandroSí, es un cachorro muy lindo.Yes, it is a very cute puppy.
- SofíaYo también quiero un cachorro.I want a puppy too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “puppy” translations and entries cachorro, perrito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cachorro, perrito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
