mascota
/mas-KOH-tah/
pet
In Spanish, 'mascota' often refers to a companion animal, or pet, like this dog.
📝 In Action
Mi perro es mi mascota favorita.
A1My dog is my favorite pet.
¿Tienes una mascota en casa? ¿Un gato o un pájaro?
A1Do you have a pet at home? A cat or a bird?
La veterinaria cuida bien de todas las mascotas del barrio.
A2The vet takes good care of all the neighborhood pets.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Check
Even though the word can refer to a male or female animal (like a male dog or a female cat), the word 'mascota' itself is always feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Wrong Article
Mistake: "El mascota es muy lindo."
Correction: La mascota es muy linda. (Always use the feminine article 'la'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
General Term
Use 'mascota' as the general term for any companion animal, whether it's a dog, cat, rabbit, or bird.
A 'mascota' can also be a symbol or figure representing a team, often seen cheering on the sidelines.
mascota(noun)
mascot
?symbolic figure for a team or event
lucky charm
?object believed to bring good luck
📝 In Action
El león es la mascota oficial del equipo de fútbol.
B1The lion is the official mascot of the soccer team.
Las mascotas de los Juegos Olímpicos son muy famosas.
B2The mascots of the Olympic Games are very famous.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
When 'mascota' means 'mascot' (like a costume character), it still follows the same rules as the 'pet' meaning: it's always feminine.
⭐ Usage Tips
Lucky Charm Usage
In some regions, 'mascota' can refer to a small item or object you keep for good luck, similar to 'amuleto'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: mascota
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'mascota' in its most common, everyday meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
If 'mascota' is feminine, how do I specify a male pet?
You don't need to change 'mascota' itself. You can specify the animal: 'Mi perro es mi mascota' (My dog is my pet). The word 'mascota' always stays feminine, regardless of the animal's sex.
Can 'mascota' be used for any animal?
It is generally reserved for animals kept in the home for companionship (dogs, cats, birds, etc.). You wouldn't typically call a farm animal or a wild animal a 'mascota'.