pastor
/pas-TOR/
shepherd
As a shepherd, a pastor is responsible for tending and caring for sheep.
pastor(noun)
shepherd
?person who tends and cares for sheep
herdsman
?general term for someone tending livestock
📝 In Action
El pastor guió a sus ovejas a los pastos más verdes.
B1The shepherd guided his sheep to the greener pastures.
Mi abuelo fue pastor durante casi toda su vida.
A2My grandfather was a shepherd for almost his entire life.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Note
Remember that 'pastor' is the masculine form. If you are referring to a woman, use 'pastora'.
A pastor can also refer to a religious minister or cleric leading a congregation.
📝 In Action
El pastor de la iglesia local nos visitó en casa.
B2The minister of the local church visited us at home.
El pastor dio un mensaje de esperanza a la congregación.
B2The pastor gave a message of hope to the congregation.
💡 Grammar Points
Metaphorical Origin
This meaning is an extension of the first. A religious leader is seen as a 'shepherd' who guides and cares for their 'flock' (the people in the congregation).
The word pastor is also used as a shortened name for the German Shepherd dog breed (perro pastor alemán).
pastor(noun)
German Shepherd
?dog breed (short for 'perro pastor alemán')
shepherd dog
?general type of herding dog
📝 In Action
Ese pastor es muy leal y protector con la familia.
B1That German Shepherd is very loyal and protective of the family.
Necesitamos un perro pastor para cuidar las ovejas.
B1We need a shepherd dog to look after the sheep.
💡 Grammar Points
Shortened Name
In Spanish, the phrase 'perro pastor alemán' (German Shepherd dog) is usually shortened simply to 'pastor' when the context is clear.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pastor
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'pastor' in the metaphorical, religious sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'pastor' only refer to shepherds of sheep?
While the original and primary meaning is a shepherd who tends sheep, it is also used commonly for a religious leader (a minister) and informally as a shortened name for a German Shepherd dog breed.
How do I say 'shepherdess' in Spanish?
The word for a female shepherd or a female minister is 'pastora.' It changes from masculine 'pastor' to feminine 'pastora'.