perro inteligente
/pero intelixente/from spelling rules
The English phrase smart dog is translated into Spanish as perro inteligente.
Which one should you use?
While perro inteligente is a direct translation of 'intelligent', you can also use perro listo to mean a 'smart' or 'clever' dog in a more colloquial sense.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, the phrase perro pilas is used to mean smart dog.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must take the plural suffix: perros inteligentes.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid placing the adjective before the noun, such as inteligente perro, which is a common error for English speakers. In Spanish, the adjective inteligente typically follows the noun perro.
Did you know?
- In Colombia, you might describe a smart dog as perro pilas. The word pilas refers to batteries, implying the dog has a high energy level and a quick mind.
- The word perro likely began as a negative term for a 'cur' around the year 1200. Over time it replaced the more formal Latin word can to become the standard term for dog.
- While inteligente is a direct translation, Spanish speakers often use listo to describe a clever dog. However, listo can also mean 'ready', so the meaning depends entirely on the context.
Examples in context
- Un perro inteligente nunca ladra sin razón.A smart dog never barks for no reason.Tatoeba #2505766 by marcelostockle, translation #3348218 by _undertoad
- Mi perro es muy inteligenteMy dog is very smart.
- ¡Ese can es tan listo!That dog is so clever!
- Mi perro inteligente aprendió trucos nuevos.My smart dog learned new tricks.
- Necesito un perro inteligente para el trabajo.I need a smart dog for the job.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are looking at a puppy in a pet store.
- Javier¿Es ese un perro inteligente?Is that a smart dog?
- ElenaSí, es un perro inteligente y muy juguetón.Yes, it is a smart dog and very playful.
- JavierParece que le gusta mucho jugar.It looks like he likes playing a lot.
- ElenaÉl es un perro inteligente para su edad.He is a smart dog for his age.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries inteligente, perro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
