encierro
/enθjero/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "running of the bulls" is encierro.
While English speakers use the descriptive phrase "running of the bulls", Spanish speakers refer to this specific event using the single noun encierro.
What does it mean word for word?
The word encierro comes from the verb encerrar, which means "to enclose" or "to shut in". As a noun, it refers to an enclosure or confinement.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In regions such as Navarre, a variation known as Encierro de vaquillas is used, which involves running with smaller bulls called "vaquillas".
How do you pronounce it?
/enθjero/
When do people say it?
The most famous encierro occurs in Pamplona during the festival of San Fermín.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word encierro can refer to the act of 'closing' a deal or completing a specific stage of a project, rather than just physical confinement.
- A person participating in an encierro is called a mozo, a term that originally meant 'young man' or 'servant' rather than 'runner'.
- In Spanish, the word encierro can be used to describe a 'lockdown' or the state of being confined indoors for health or safety reasons.
Examples in context
- El encierro de San Fermín es muy famoso.The running of the bulls in San Fermín is very famous.
- Mañana asistiremos al encierro de madrugada.Tomorrow we will attend the running of the bulls at dawn.
- Muchos turistas ven el encierro cada año.Many tourists watch the running of the bulls every year.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are discussing their travel plans in Spain.
- Mateo¿Quieres ver el encierro con nosotros, María?Do you want to see the running of the bulls with us, María?
- MaríaMe encantaría, Mateo, pero me da un poco de miedo.I would love to, Mateo, but it scares me a little.
- MateoNo te preocupes, es una experiencia increíble.Don't worry, it is an incredible experience.
- MaríaEstá bien, iré para acompañarte.All right, I will go to accompany you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
