ciervo

SYEHR-boh

deer?general animal species,stag?specifically the male deer with antlers

Also:venison?the meat of the animal, though 'carne de venado' is more common

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Vimos un ciervo cruzando el sendero en el bosque.

We saw a deer crossing the trail in the forest.

El ciervo macho tiene astas muy grandes.

The male deer has very large antlers.

El ciervo es un animal muy asustadizo.

The deer is a very skittish animal.

A 'ciervo' is typically the male. If you want to talk specifically about a female deer, use the word 'cierva'.

Mistake: "Using 'siervo' when you mean the animal."

Correction: Use 'ciervo' with a 'C' for the animal. 'Siervo' with an 'S' means a servant or slave. They sound exactly the same in Latin America!

While 'ciervo' is perfectly understood everywhere, you will hear 'venado' much more frequently in Mexico and other parts of Latin America.

Question 1 of 2

If you are in a forest in Spain and see a male deer, what is the most likely word you would use?

cierva(doe (female deer)) - noun

cervatillo(fawn) - noun

cervuno(deer-like) - adjective

Is 'ciervo' only for males?

Usually, yes. In a general sense, it can refer to the species, but if you need to be specific about a female deer, you should use 'cierva'.

How do I pronounce the 'C' in 'ciervo'?

In Spain, it sounds like a soft 'th' (like 'think'). In Latin America, it sounds exactly like an 's'.