perro
/ˈpero/masculine
The English word dog is perro in Spanish. Wiktionary also lists can and tuso.
Meaning: animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| perro | /ˈpero/ | masculine |
| can | /ˈkan/ | formal, masculine |
| tuso | /ˈtuso/ | masculine |
You may also see the related verb perseguir, which means to pursue with the intent to catch.
Which one should you use?
While perro is the masculine form, it is also used as the generic term for the species regardless of sex. In contrast, can is used as a formal or technical term for dog, often found in veterinary or scientific contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you are in a formal or technical setting, such as a veterinary or scientific context, you can use can, which refers to both male and female dogs. You might also encounter the colloquial term chucho.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of perro is perra. To refer affectionately to a small dog or a puppy, you can use the diminutive perrito.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpero/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, using the word perra can be a highly offensive insult directed at a person, rather than just a biological description of a female dog.
- The term perro may have originated from a specific call or shout used by hunters to set dogs upon prey.
- In Spanish, calling someone a perro can be a slang way to describe them as a flirt or someone who is unfaithful to their partner.
Examples in context
- Vi a un perro.I saw a dog.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of perro.Tatoeba #1667390 by marcelostockle, translation #378503 by CK
- El perro es mío.The dog is mine.Tatoeba #508664 by Shishir, translation #493294 by CM
- Ese es mi perro.This is my dog.Tatoeba #1551463 by Shishir, translation #67056 by CK
- ¿Tienes un perro?Do you have a dog?
- Los canes son leales y protectoresDogs are loyal and protective.
- ¡Qué perro más lindo tienes!What a cute dog you have!
- ¡Qué lindo perrito! Me dan ganas de abrazarloWhat a cute puppy! I feel like hugging it.
- ¿Cómo se llama tu chucho?What's your dog's name?
- 1304 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are walking in the neighborhood.
- AlejandroMira, hay un perro en la calle.Look, there is a dog in the street.
- Lucía¡Qué lindo es ese perro!That dog is so cute!
- AlejandroParece que el perro es juguetón.The dog looks playful.
- LucíaSí, me encanta su energía.Yes, I love his energy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dog” translations and entries perro, can, tuso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries can, perro, tuso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
