dormir a un perro
/doɾmiɾ a un pero/from spelling rules
The English phrase "put a dog down" is translated into Spanish as dormir a un perro.
This phrase is used to describe the act of killing a dog humanely to end its suffering due to a serious illness or injury.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Chile, Argentina and Uruguay, it is common to use the phrase mandar a dormir a un perro to express the same idea.
Did you know?
- Some linguists suggest that the word perro might actually originate from a specific vocal call used to command dogs, similar to how one might use a whistle.
- The word perro was originally used as a derogatory term for a 'cur' or an undesirable dog, but it eventually replaced the more formal Latin-derived word can in common Spanish.
Examples in context
- Desafortunadamente, nuestro perro está sufriendo mucho y hemos optado por dormirlo.Unfortunately, our dog is suffering greatly, and we have decided to put him to sleep.
- Tuvieron que dormir a un perro por su enfermedad.They had to put a dog down because of its illness.
- Me duele mucho dormir a un perro así.It hurts me a lot to put a dog down like this.
- ¿Es necesario dormir a un perro tan joven?Is it necessary to put a dog down so young?
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are discussing a sick pet.
- AlejandroEl perro ya no sufre, pero está muy débil.The dog isn't suffering anymore, but he is very weak.
- LucíaCreo que es hora de dormir a un perro así.I think it's time to put a dog like that down.
- AlejandroTienes razón, es lo más humano ahora.You're right, it's the most humane thing now.
- LucíaLlamaré al veterinario mañana, Alejandro.I will call the vet tomorrow, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, dormir, perro, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
