semental
/semenˈtal/
The English word stud translates to Spanish as semental.
In Spanish, semental is used to describe a male animal used for breeding. It is also used as a slang term to describe an attractive, virile man.
Meaning: small round earring (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word semental literally refers to a breeding male.
Which one should you use?
While the English word stud can refer to a small round earring, the Spanish word semental is strictly reserved for breeding animals or virile men and is never used for jewelry.
How do you pronounce it?
/semenˈtal/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use semental when you want to refer to a small round earring. This is an error in translation.
Did you know?
- The word semental is rooted in the Latin sēmentis, which means 'sowing' or 'planting'.
- While an English speaker might call a handsome man a 'stud', calling a man a semental in Spanish carries a much more aggressive, animalistic connotation of breeding.
- The term semental is most frequently encountered in the professional world of horse breeding and equestrianism before it is used as a slang term for people.
Examples in context
- El hombre era todo un semental y tenía varias novias.The man was quite a stud and had several girlfriends.This example shows how semental is used to describe an attractive man.Tatoeba #13651199 by Seael, translation #2332775 by orcrist
- Bajo el pelo gris, hay todavía un famoso semental.Beneath the gray hair, a famous stud still lies.This example uses semental to describe a man with gray hair.Tatoeba #3422492 by carlosalberto, translation #9149835 by DJ_Saidez
- El criadero cuenta con un caballo de pura raza disponible para monta.The breeding farm has a thoroughbred horse available for stud service.
- El ganadero posee un semental para cruzarlo con sus yeguas.The livestock farmer owns a stud to breed with his mares.
- Ana siempre se fija en los guapos del barrio.Ana always notices the studs in the neighborhood.
Example conversation
Daniel is showing María his new jewelry.
- DanielMira este semental nuevo.Look at this new stud.
- MaríaEs muy elegante, Daniel.It is very elegant, Daniel.
- DanielGracias, me gusta el diseño.Thanks, I like the design.
- MaríaTe queda muy bien.It looks great on you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry semental, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries semental, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
