cuidador de zoológico
/kwidadoɾ de θooloxiko/from spelling rules
The English word "zookeeper" is translated into Spanish as cuidador de zoológico.
A zookeeper is a person employed at a zoo to attend to the animals.
Meaning: person employed at a zoo to attend to the animals (noun)
Which one should you use?
In natural conversation, zoológico is often shortened to zoo, resulting in the phrase el cuidador del zoo.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a female zookeeper, change the noun to the feminine form cuidadora de zoológico.
How do you pronounce it?
/kwidadoɾ de θooloxiko/
Did you know?
- The word cuidador comes from the verb cuidar, which can mean both 'to take care of' and 'to beware'. This means a zookeeper is literally someone who 'watches over' the animals.
- The word zoológico is a formal term, but the common shorthand zoo is an anglicism that has been fully absorbed into the Spanish language.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, a zookeeper might be called a domador if they specifically train animals for shows, which literally translates to 'tamer'.
Examples in context
- Hemos contratado un excelente cuidador de zoológico para encargarse de los animales.We have hired an excellent zookeeper to take care of the animals.
- El cuidador de zoológico alimenta a los leones.The zookeeper feeds the lions.
- Busco a un cuidador de zoológico para el trabajo.I am looking for a zookeeper for the job.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are discussing a new job opening.
- Alejandro¿Conoces a algún cuidador de zoológico?Do you know any zookeeper?
- MaríaMi primo es un cuidador de zoológico muy dedicado.My cousin is a very dedicated zookeeper.
- AlejandroEso es perfecto para el puesto.That is perfect for the position.
- MaríaLe diré que te llame pronto.I will tell him to call you soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
