pastor
/pasˈtoɾ/masculine
The English word shepherd translates to Spanish as pastor. Wiktionary also lists ovejero.
Meaning: a person who tends sheep (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pastor | /pasˈtoɾ/ | masculine |
| ovejero | /obeˈxeɾo/ | masculine |
Pastor is the general term for a shepherd and is often used in poetic or religious contexts. Because of this, it is also the standard Spanish word for a Christian minister or pastor. The related verb pastorear means to watch over or guide.
Which one should you use?
While pastor is a broad term for a shepherd, ovejero is more specific, referring specifically to a sheep-herder (someone who tends ovejas or sheep).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form is pastor. If you are referring to a female shepherd, use the feminine form pastora.
How do you pronounce it?
/pasˈtoɾ/
When do people say it?
In the context of animals, the term pastor alemán is used specifically to refer to the German Shepherd dog breed.
Did you know?
- The English word 'shepherd' and the Spanish word pastor share a common ancestor in the Proto-Indo-European root '*peh₂-', which meant 'to feed' or 'to tend'.
- In Spanish, the word pastor is used for both a rural sheep-herder and a church leader, linking the physical act of tending animals with the spiritual act of leading a congregation.
- The word ovejero uses the suffix '-ero', which is a common Spanish tool to turn a noun like 'sheep' into a profession.
Examples in context
- Ese era un pastor.That was a shepherd.This sentence uses pastor to identify a person's profession.Tatoeba #5071659 by albrusgher, translation #3804827 by eric_vandenburg
- Rex es un pastor alemán.Rex is a German Shepherd.This sentence uses pastor to name the German Shepherd dog breed.Tatoeba #10024972 by manufrutos, translation #10021634 by shekitten
- No nací para la vida de un pastor.I was not made for the life of a shepherd.This sentence uses pastor to refer to the lifestyle of a shepherd.Tatoeba #2881749 by cueyayotl, translation #1885291 by dgibbons
- El pastor guía a las ovejas por los verdes prados.The shepherd guides the sheep through the green meadows.
- El pastor es experto en cuidar y guiar al rebaño de ovejas.The shepherd is an expert at caring for and guiding the flock of sheep.
- El cuidador de ovejas alimenta y protege al rebaño.The shepherd feeds and protects the flock.
- El trabajo del cuidador de ovejas puede ser duro pero gratificante.The work of the sheep caretaker can be tough but rewarding.
- Mi abuelo fue un pastor de ovejas por más de 30 años.My grandfather was a shepherd for over 30 years.
- Los pastores de ovejas tienen una estrecha conexión con los animales que cuidan.Shepherds have a close connection with the animals they tend.
- Los guardianes de ovejas pasan largas horas al aire libre junto a su rebaño.Sheep guardians spend long hours outdoors with their flock.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are walking through a rural countryside.
- MateoMira, aquel es el pastor de las ovejas.Look, that is the shepherd of the sheep.
- ElenaParece un trabajo muy solitario.It looks like a very lonely job.
- MateoEl pastor cuida a su rebaño con mucho cuidado.The shepherd tends to his flock with great care.
- ElenaEs verdad, su vida es muy tranquila.It is true, his life is very peaceful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shepherd” translations and entries pastor, ovejero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ovejero, pastor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
