carnicero
“carnicero” means “butcher” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
butcher
Also: meat seller
📝 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.
butchering
Also: bloodthirsty, cutthroat
📝 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.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "carnicero" in Spanish:
bloodthirsty→butcher→butchering→cutthroat→meat seller→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: carnicero
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the feminine form of 'carnicero'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Spanish word 'carne' (meat) combined with the suffix '-ero', which is commonly used to designate a profession or trade related to the root word. Essentially, it means 'one who works with meat'.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish (around 13th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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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.