callejero
/kaʝexeɾo/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for stray (referring to a domestic animal) is callejero.
This term is used to describe a domestic animal that is at large or lost. Unlike the English word 'stray', which can sometimes refer to a pet that has been temporarily lost, callejero almost always implies an animal that lives permanently on the streets without a home.
Meaning: domestic animal at large or lost (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word callejero is derived from calle (street) and the suffix -ero (denoting a person or thing associated with a place), literally meaning 'one who belongs to the street'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form must agree in gender and number with the animal it describes. Use callejero for masculine animals, such as perro and callejera for feminine animals, such as gata. When referring to a group of stray animals or a mixed-gender group, use the masculine plural form callejeros.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaʝexeɾo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, a callejero can refer to a physical street map or a directory of city streets.
- If you call a person callejero, you might be complimenting their 'street smarts' and worldly experience rather than insulting their housing status.
- The suffix -ero in callejero is a versatile tool in Spanish used to turn a location or object into a profession, such as panadero for a 'baker'.
Examples in context
- A Tom le atacó un perro callejero.Tom was attacked by a stray dog.This sentence shows how to describe an attack by a callejero.Tatoeba #3250165 by Shishir, translation #2876356 by CK
- Tengo miedo de los perros callejeros, necesito que me protejas por favor.I'm afraid of stray dogs, I need you to protect me, please.This sentence expresses a fear of callejeros.Tatoeba #12275508 by JSKabylie15, translation #12275859 by Miktsoanit
- Me gusta hablar francés a los gatos callejeros.I love speaking French to the stray cats.This sentence illustrates interacting with callejeros.Tatoeba #13027432 by mexicanhere, translation #13027429 by rul
- Juan encontró un perro extraviado y lo llevó a un refugio de animales.Juan found a stray dog and took it to an animal shelter.
- El refugio de animales busca hogares para perros abandonados.The animal shelter is looking for homes for stray dogs.
- ¿Viste al gato callejero que vive en la esquina?Did you see the stray cat that lives on the corner?
- El parque está lleno de palomas callejeras.The park is full of stray pigeons.
- La gata abandonada encontró un hogar cariñoso en un refugio de animales.The stray cat found a loving home in an animal shelter.
Example conversation
María and Javier are walking in a park.
- MaríaMira ese perro callejero junto al banco.Look at that stray dog next to the bench.
- JavierSí, se ve muy solo, María.Yes, he looks very lonely, María.
- María¿Deberíamos darle algo de comida?Should we give him some food?
- JavierEs una buena idea, vamos a ayudarlo.That is a good idea, let's help him.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
