salvaje
/salˈbaxe/
The English phrase "wild one" can be translated into Spanish as salvaje.
The word salvaje is used to describe something that is wild in a natural sense. Depending on the context, it can also carry a connotation of being "savage" or "uncivilized."
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective salvaje is invariant in gender, meaning it remains the same whether it is describing a masculine or feminine noun. To make the word plural, add -es to the end to form salvajes.
How do you pronounce it?
/salˈbaxe/
Did you know?
- In certain Latin American slang, salvaje is used as a positive intensifier to mean 'incredible' or 'extreme'. This mirrors the way an English speaker might describe a 'wild' party or a 'wild' idea.
- Using salvaje to describe a person in many Spanish-speaking countries is a severe insult. It often implies a total lack of social grace or basic manners rather than just being energetic.
- Despite its current meanings, the core of salvaje is actually the Latin word 'silva', which means 'forest' or 'wood'.
Examples in context
- Él es una persona salvajeHe is a wild one.
- Eres un(a) descontrolado(a)You are a wild one.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are looking at a picture of a toddler.
- MaríaMira a tu hijo, es muy activo.Look at your son, he is very active.
- AlejandroSí, él es el pequeño salvaje de la casa.Yes, he is the little wild one of the house.
- María¿Nunca se queda quieto?Does he never stay still?
- AlejandroCasi nunca, es un salvaje.Almost never, he is a wild one.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry salvaje, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries salvaje, CC BY-SA 4.0.
