canguro
“canguro” means “kangaroo” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
kangaroo
Also: marsupial
📝 In Action
El canguro salta muy alto.
A1The kangaroo jumps very high.
Australia es famosa por sus canguros.
A1Australia is famous for its kangaroos.
La cría del canguro vive en la bolsa de su madre.
A2The baby kangaroo lives in its mother's pouch.
babysitter
Also: sitter
📝 In Action
Mañana no puedo salir porque tengo que hacer de canguro.
B1I can't go out tomorrow because I have to babysit.
Buscamos un canguro con experiencia.
A2We are looking for an experienced babysitter.
Mi hermana trabaja como canguro los fines de semana.
B1My sister works as a babysitter on weekends.
Vocabulary Collections
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: canguro
Question 1 of 3
If you are in Madrid and you need someone to watch your kids, what do you look for?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Derived from the English word 'kangaroo', which comes from 'gangurru', a word from the Australian Aboriginal language Guugu Yimidhirr.
First recorded: 18th century (as a loanword)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'canguro' always mean babysitter?
No. In most of Latin America, people will only think of the animal. In Spain, it almost always refers to a babysitter unless you are at the zoo!
Why is a babysitter called a 'kangaroo'?
It's a metaphor! Just as a mother kangaroo carries and protects her young in her pouch, a babysitter 'carries' and looks after children.
Is 'canguro' used for a fanny pack?
Yes, in some Latin American countries like Colombia or Venezuela, a 'canguro' is also a waist bag or fanny pack because of the front pocket.