paseando al perro
/paseando al pero/from spelling rules
The English phrase "walking the dog" is translated into Spanish as paseando al perro.
This phrase is used to describe the act of taking a dog outside for exercise or relief.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase paseando al perro is composed of the gerund paseando (walking/strolling) and the construction al perro (the dog), where al is a contraction of a (to/at) and el (the).
Which one should you use?
The infinitive form pasear al perro is used when you want to say 'to walk the dog' as a concept or an action, whereas paseando al perro is the continuous form used for 'walking the dog' right now.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In several Latin American countries, the diminutive pasear al perrito may be heard or sacar al perrito a pasear. In Spain, Pasear al perrete can be heard and in some regions of Spain, Sacar al chucho a pasear is a variation used for walking the dog.
Did you know?
- While perro is the standard word for 'dog', it likely began as a pejorative term for a 'cur' around the year 1200 before replacing the more formal Latin word can.
- Spanish speakers often use the diminutive perrito (little dog) when walking their pets, regardless of the dog's actual size, to express affection.
- The phrasing sacar al perro literally means 'to take the dog out', focusing on the act of removal from the house rather than the act of walking.
Examples in context
- ¿Quieres que pasee al perro esta tarde?Do you want me to walk the dog this afternoon?
- Saldré más temprano del trabajo para sacar al perro a pasear.I'll leave work earlier to take the dog for a walk.
- Oye, ¿quieres acompañarme a pasear al chucho?Hey, do you want to come with me to walk the dog?
- Siempre me relaja dar una vuelta con el perro en el parque.Taking a stroll with the dog in the park always relaxes me.
- Estoy paseando al perro.I am walking the dog.
- Estoy paseando al perro por el parque.I am walking the dog through the park.
- Él disfruta paseando al perro cada mañana.He enjoys walking the dog every morning.
Example conversation
Daniel is calling María from the park.
- DanielHola María, estoy paseando al perro.Hi María, I am walking the dog.
- MaríaQué bien, ¿está tranquilo el perro?That's great, is the dog calm?
- DanielSí, se siente muy feliz.Yes, he feels very happy.
- MaríaPerfecto, nos vemos en casa.Perfect, see you at home.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries perro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
