cuerno
/KWER-noh/
horn
Un cuerno: A hard growth on an animal's head.
cuerno(noun)
horn
?The hard growth on an animal's head
antler
?Used sometimes for deer, though 'asta' is more specific
📝 In Action
El rinoceronte tiene un cuerno muy largo.
A1The rhinoceros has a very long horn.
Este peine está hecho de cuerno de buey.
B1This comb is made of ox horn.
💡 Grammar Points
Making it Plural
Since it ends in a vowel, just add -s: 'los cuernos'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Horns vs. Trumpets
Mistake: "Using 'cuerno' for a modern musical horn."
Correction: Use 'trompa' or 'corno francés' for the musical instrument; 'cuerno' usually refers to the animal part or a primitive bugle.
⭐ Usage Tips
Taking Action
The phrase 'tomar el toro por los cuernos' is used exactly like in English to mean facing a problem directly.
Poner los cuernos: A symbol of being unfaithful or betrayal in a relationship.
cuerno(noun)
cheating
?Referring to being unfaithful in a relationship
betrayal
?Relationship context
📝 In Action
Ella le puso los cuernos con un compañero de trabajo.
B2She cheated on him with a coworker.
💡 Grammar Points
The Verb 'Poner'
In this context, we always use the verb 'poner' (to put) to describe the act of cheating.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Careful with this word!
Mistake: "Telling someone they 'have horns' (tienes cuernos)."
Correction: This is a major insult in many Spanish-speaking cultures. Only use it if you are prepared for a very angry reaction!
⭐ Usage Tips
Hand Gestures
In many countries, making the 'rock on' hand sign (index and pinky finger up) while pointing at someone is a way of saying their partner is cheating on them.
¡Al cuerno!: A visual representation of anger or dismissal.
cuerno(noun)
the heck / hell
?Used in expressions of anger or dismissal
get lost
?When telling someone to go away
📝 In Action
¡Vete al cuerno!
B1Go to hell! / Get lost!
Mandé todo al cuerno y renuncié.
B2I threw it all away (to the dogs) and quit.
💡 Grammar Points
Directional 'al'
We use 'al' (to the) to show where we are sending the annoying person or thing.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Softness Level
Mistake: "Thinking 'vete al cuerno' is a polite way to ask someone to leave."
Correction: It is informal and shows you are annoyed. It's not as bad as a swear word, but it's not polite either.
⭐ Usage Tips
A Safe Alternative
If you want to sound frustrated but not use a 'bad' word, 'vete al cuerno' is a great mid-level option.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cuerno
Question 1 of 2
If someone says 'Juan le puso los cuernos a María,' what happened?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'vete al cuerno' very offensive?
Not extremely. It's like saying 'go fly a kite' or 'get lost.' It's much milder than using profanity, but it still shows you are angry.
Why are 'horns' associated with cheating in Spanish?
This is an old tradition found in many Mediterranean cultures. There are many theories, but one suggests it comes from a medieval law where a cuckolded husband had to wear horns as a sign of his situation.