pato
/PAH-toh/
duck
In Spanish, 'pato' is the common word for a duck.
📝 In Action
El pato nadó tranquilamente en el estanque.
A1The duck swam calmly in the pond.
Vimos un pato con sus crías cruzando la calle.
A2We saw a duck with its young crossing the street.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Related Words
The word 'pato' is always masculine for the animal. The female duck is usually 'pata', and a baby duck is 'patito' or 'patita'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Sound and Movement
The sound a duck makes ('quack') is often called 'cuac' in Spanish, and the verb for waddling is 'patear' or 'andar como pato'.
This word is a highly offensive and derogatory slang term used to refer to a homosexual man.
pato(noun)
queer
?highly offensive/derogatory term for a homosexual man
gay man
?often used as an insult
📝 In Action
¡Cuidado! En esa zona, 'pato' es un insulto muy grave.
C1Be careful! In that area, 'pato' is a very serious insult.
💡 Grammar Points
Crucial Register Warning
This meaning is strongly offensive and should never be used unless you are quoting someone or discussing social language.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Misunderstanding Context
Mistake: "Using 'pato' casually, assuming it means 'friend' or 'guy' like some other animal names."
Correction: Always use a neutral term like 'chico' or 'amigo' instead, as 'pato' carries strong negative connotations in this context across many regions.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pato
Question 1 of 2
If someone says, 'Hay un pato en el estanque,' what are they most likely referring to?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I say 'female duck'?
The female duck is 'la pata'. Be careful! 'Pata' is also the word for the leg or foot of an animal or a piece of furniture.
Is 'pato' ever used in a friendly way?
Generally, no, not when referring to a person. It is highly offensive slang in many regions. Always use safer words like 'amigo' (friend) or 'tipo' (guy).