rancho
/ˈrant͡ʃo/
The Spanish word for ranch is rancho.
rancho refers to a house or property located on ranch land. Depending on the context, you might use more specific terms: Granja ganadera is used to emphasize that the property is used for livestock farming, while Finca is a term for a large estate or farm with agricultural purposes.
Meaning: house or property on a ranch land (noun)
Which one should you use?
While rancho is a general term, Hacienda is a more formal term used to describe large historical estates or modern ranch-style properties.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In South America, particularly in Argentina and Uruguay, the formal term Estancia is commonly used to refer to large rural properties focused on livestock production. In countries such as Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, the informal term potrero can be used to describe a small ranch or a pasture.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express more than one, use the plural form ranchos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈrantʃo/
Did you know?
- In some parts of the Spanish-speaking world, rancho can colloquially refer to a specific type of food or a stew served to soldiers or workers, rather than the building itself.
- In some contexts in Latin America, rancho can refer to a very humble shack or a poor dwelling rather than a productive ranch.
- The word rancho actually traces its roots back to the military practice of soldiers forming lines or rows, rather than to a specific type of animal or land.
Examples in context
- Yo tengo un rancho.I have a ranch.Tatoeba #6013469 by albrusgher, translation #5852096 by CK
- Tom tiene un rancho.Tom has a ranch.Tatoeba #6013466 by albrusgher, translation #3177227 by Hybrid
- ¿En qué clase de rancho te criaste?What kind of ranch did you grow up on?This sentence is useful for asking about the environment someone grew up in using rancho.Tatoeba #6013478 by albrusgher, translation #3413072 by CK
- El empresario compró una finca cerca del pueblo.The businessman bought a ranch near the town.
- La hacienda que visitamos en México era impresionante.The ranch we visited in Mexico was stunning.
- La estancia en la Patagonia es famosa por su ganadería.The ranch in Patagonia is famous for its livestock farming.
- La granja ganadera cuenta con más de cien cabezas de ganado.The livestock farm has over a hundred head of cattle.
- Voy a pasar el verano en el rancho de mi abuelo.I'm going to spend the summer at my grandpa's ranch.
- Caminamos por el potrero disfrutando del aire libre.We walked through the ranch, enjoying the open air.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are talking about a trip to the countryside.
- MateoVamos a visitar el rancho de mi abuelo.We are going to visit my grandfather's ranch.
- María¡Qué bien! ¿Está muy lejos de aquí?That's great! Is it very far from here?
- MateoSí, el rancho queda en las montañas.Yes, the ranch is in the mountains.
- MaríaMe encantaría conocer ese lugar, Mateo.I would love to see that place, Mateo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry rancho, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rancho, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
