carnicero
/kar-nee-seh-roh/
butcher
As a noun, carnicero refers to a person who prepares and sells meat, like this butcher.
carnicero(noun)
butcher
?A person who prepares and sells meat.
meat seller
?General term for someone selling meat.
📝 In Action
Necesito ir al carnicero antes de la cena.
A1I need to go to the butcher before dinner.
El carnicero me dijo que esta carne es muy fresca.
A2The butcher told me this meat is very fresh.
Mi padre fue carnicero toda su vida.
B1My father was a butcher his whole life.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Profession
Since 'carnicero' refers to a person, it changes gender. If the butcher is a woman, you say 'la carnicera'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing the Person and the Shop
Mistake: "Voy a la carnicero."
Correction: Voy a la carnicería (the shop) or Voy al carnicero (the person). Use 'al' (to the masculine person) or 'a la' (to the feminine shop).
⭐ Usage Tips
Asking for Meat
In many Spanish-speaking countries, people often refer to the shop ('carnicería') rather than the person, even if they plan to talk to the person. Both 'Voy al carnicero' and 'Voy a la carnicería' are correct ways to say you are going to buy meat.
When used as an adjective, carnicero describes something related to the trade of butchery, such as a specialized butchering tool like this cleaver.
carnicero(adjective)
butchering
?Related to the trade of butchery (e.g., a tool).
bloodthirsty
?Figurative: describing someone or something cruel or ruthless.
,cutthroat
?Figurative: describing a ruthless business practice.
📝 In Action
El perro tiene un instinto carnicero cuando caza.
B2The dog has a butchering/vicious instinct when hunting.
Usó un cuchillo carnicero para cortar el jamón.
C1He used a butchering knife to cut the ham.
💡 Grammar Points
Agreement
As an adjective, 'carnicero' must match the thing it describes in number (singular/plural) and gender (masculine/feminine). For example, 'una acción carnicera' (a ruthless action).
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Use
When used figuratively (B2/C1 level), it often implies violence or extreme ruthlessness, especially when describing actions or instincts.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: carnicero
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the feminine form of 'carnicero'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ask for the butcher shop, not the person?
Use the feminine noun 'la carnicería'. You would say 'Voy a la carnicería' (I'm going to the butcher shop).
Does 'carnicero' only refer to the person who works in the shop?
Yes, primarily it refers to the person. However, it can also be used as an adjective to describe tools (like a 'cuchillo carnicero') or cruel behavior.