zorro plateado
/ˌθoro plateˈado/
The English phrase "silver fox" is translated into Spanish as zorro plateado.
This phrase refers to a species of fox characterized by its silver-grey fur.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of zorro (fox) and plateado (silver-colored/silvery).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural form "silver foxes", both the noun and the adjective must take the plural ending -s, resulting in zorros plateados.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌθoro plateˈado/
Did you know?
- While zorro means 'fox', using the feminine form zorra as a slang term for a person is a severe insult in many Spanish-speaking countries. It is far more offensive than calling someone a 'fox' in English.
- The word zorro may not actually have Latin roots like many other Spanish words. Some linguists suggest it might come from the Basque word azeri, which means 'fox'.
- While 'silver fox' in English often describes an attractive older man, using zorro plateado to describe a person in Spanish would be taken literally to mean they are a silver-colored animal.
Examples in context
- Vi un zorro plateado en el bosque.I saw a silver fox in the forest.
- El zorro plateado tiene un pelaje muy suave.The silver fox has very soft fur.
- Ese zorro plateado se camufla bien en la nieve.That silver fox camouflages well in the snow.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are visiting a zoo.
- JavierMira ese animal, Lucía.Look at that animal, Lucía.
- Lucía¿Es un zorro plateado?Is it a silver fox?
- JavierSí, es un zorro plateado.Yes, it is a silver fox.
- LucíaMe encanta su color gris.I love its grey color.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry zorro plateado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zorro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
