salvaje
/salˈbaxe/
The English word "savage" is translated into Spanish as salvaje.
salvaje is an adjective used to describe something that is barbaric or not civilized. In informal contexts, the word animal is sometimes used to describe someone who is being savage or is extremely skillful. In slang, the word bestia is a common way to refer to someone or something as savage.
Meaning: barbaric, not civilized (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of salvaje is salvajes.
How do you pronounce it?
/salˈbaxe/
Did you know?
- The word salvaje is actually a linguistic relative of the English word 'sylvan', which refers to things related to forests or woods.
- Unlike the English slang 'savage', which often implies a witty or brutal comeback, salvaje in Spanish more frequently refers to raw power or lack of restraint.
- When describing a plant or a landscape that is overgrown, Spanish speakers often prefer the word silvestre over salvaje.
Examples in context
- Todos los salvajes saben bailar.Every savage can dance.This sentence shows the use of salvaje when referring to people.Tatoeba #2533012 by marcelostockle, translation #837398 by Scott
- Por aquel entonces allí vivía una tribu salvaje.A savage tribe lived there in those days.This sentence demonstrates how salvaje can describe a tribe.Tatoeba #3742814 by Seael, translation #44723 by CM
- Él exigió que tuvieran al perro salvaje amarrado.He demanded that the savage dog be kept tied up.This sentence illustrates the use of salvaje when describing an animal.Tatoeba #2463904 by marcelostockle, translation #290688 by CM
- Ese león es bastante salvaje.That lion is quite savage.
- ¡La banda de rock dio una presentación salvaje en el concierto!The rock band gave a savage performance at the concert!
- ¡Ese jugador es una bestia en la cancha!That player is a savage on the court!
- ¡Qué bestia es ese piloto de Fórmula 1!That Formula 1 driver is such a savage!
- ¡Juan es un animal en el gimnasio!Juan is a savage in the gym!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are discussing an ancient civilization in a history book.
- LucíaMira estas costumbres tan salvajes.Look at these such savage customs.
- MateoSí, eran muy diferentes a nosotros.Yes, they were very different from us.
- LucíaParece un mundo totalmente salvaje.It seems like a totally savage world.
- MateoEs fascinante leer sobre eso, Lucía.It is fascinating to read about that, Lucía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “savage” translations and entries salvaje, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries salvaje, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
