Inklingo

cerdo

/SEHR-doh/

pig

A happy, pink farm pig standing in a small patch of mud on a sunny day.

The most common translation of 'cerdo' is 'pig', referring to the animal.

cerdo(noun)

mA1

pig

?

The animal

,

hog

?

A larger pig

Also:

pork

?

The meat (often used as 'carne de cerdo')

📝 In Action

El granjero alimenta a los cerdos dos veces al día.

A1

The farmer feeds the pigs twice a day.

Para la barbacoa, asaremos carne de cerdo.

A2

For the barbecue, we will roast pork.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • puerco (pig/swine)
  • cochino (pig/dirty)

Common Collocations

  • carne de cerdopork meat
  • piara de cerdosa drove/herd of pigs

💡 Grammar Points

Gender and Meat

Even though the animal has masculine ('cerdo') and feminine ('cerda') forms, 'cerdo' is used as the general term for the species and for the meat (pork).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Pig Types

Mistake: "Using 'cochino' to refer to a specific breed of pig."

Correction: 'Cochino' is generally an informal synonym for 'cerdo' that often implies dirtiness or messiness; 'cerdo' is the neutral term.

A cartoon person sitting on a couch in a room overflowing with scattered trash, dirty clothes, and food wrappers.

Figuratively, 'cerdo' can be used as an insult meaning 'slob' or a messy person.

cerdo(noun)

mB2

slob

?

Refers to a messy or dirty person

,

jerk

?

Refers to a greedy or despicable person

Also:

filthy person

?

Highly offensive term

📝 In Action

¡Qué cerdo eres, dejaste todos los platos sin lavar!

B1

What a slob you are, you left all the dishes unwashed!

No quiero tratar con ese hombre, es un cerdo egoísta.

B2

I don't want to deal with that man, he is a greedy pig/jerk.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • guarro (filthy person (Spain))
  • asqueroso (disgusting person)

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'Cerdo' as an Adjective

When used to describe a person, 'cerdo' acts like an adjective, meaning 'filthy' or 'gross.' You must match the gender: 'la persona cerda' (the filthy person) or 'el hombre cerdo'.

⭐ Usage Tips

High Risk Warning

This word is highly insulting and should only be used in very informal contexts or when you intend to cause offense. Be careful when using it, especially in public.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: cerdo

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'cerdo' in its primary, neutral meaning?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

Frequently Asked Questions

If 'cerdo' is a male pig, what is a female pig?

A female pig is called a 'cerda'. The meat is usually referred to generically as 'carne de cerdo', regardless of the animal's gender.

Is 'cerdo' a strong insult?

Yes, 'cerdo' is a very strong and offensive insult. It suggests that a person is messy, greedy, disgusting, or morally corrupt. Use it with caution!