gallo
/GAH-yoh/
rooster
In many Spanish-speaking regions, gallo is the common word for a rooster (male chicken).
gallo(noun)
rooster
?male chicken
,cock
?male chicken (less common in US English)
cockerel
?young rooster
📝 In Action
El gallo canta al amanecer.
A1The rooster crows at dawn.
Dibujamos un gallo con plumas rojas y amarillas.
A2We drew a cock with red and yellow feathers.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Rule
Since 'gallo' refers to a male animal, it is a masculine noun and always uses masculine articles like 'el' or 'un'.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Farmyard Pair
Remember 'gallo' (rooster, male) and 'gallina' (hen, female) often appear together when talking about farm birds.
In slang, gallo can refer to a voice crack, especially when the voice unexpectedly jumps to a high pitch.
gallo(noun)
voice crack
?a high, unintended squeak in the voice
,squeak
?a sudden, high sound while singing
blunder
?a mistake, especially in public speaking or singing
📝 In Action
Se me salió un gallo cuando intenté cantar esa nota alta.
B1My voice cracked when I tried to sing that high note.
El presentador hizo un pequeño gallo al inicio de su discurso.
B2The presenter made a small blunder (voice crack) at the beginning of his speech.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Se' Construction
When talking about an unintended accident like a voice crack, Spanish often uses the 'se' reflexive structure: 'Se me salió...' (It came out from me), showing the action happened accidentally.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Error'
Mistake: "Hice un error en mi voz."
Correction: Hice un gallo / Se me salió un gallo. Use 'gallo' specifically for vocal mistakes or squeaks, not general errors.
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Meaning
This meaning comes from the idea that a voice crack is sudden and jarring, like the crow of a rooster. Use this meaning mostly when talking about singing or public speaking.
Gallo is also the name for the John Dory, a flat, edible marine fish often found in Spanish cuisine.
📝 In Action
El chef preparó un gallo a la plancha delicioso.
B2The chef prepared a delicious grilled John Dory.
Compramos tres kilos de gallo fresco en la lonja.
C1We bought three kilos of fresh flatfish at the fish market.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you are in a restaurant or talking about seafood, 'gallo' refers to the fish. If you are on a farm, it's the bird. Context makes the difference!
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: gallo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'gallo' in its most common, literal meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'gallo' means the bird or the fish?
You must listen to the context. If you are talking about the farm, sounds, or animals, it's the rooster. If you are talking about food, cooking, or the sea, it's the fish (John Dory). If you are talking about singing, it's a voice crack.
Is 'gallo' used to describe a person?
Yes, but usually in the diminutive form 'gallito' (little rooster), which means someone is boastful, arrogant, or trying to act tough.