pavo
/PAH-voh/
turkey
Pavo (noun) - Meaning the bird, turkey.
📝 In Action
Para la cena de Navidad, mi abuela siempre prepara un pavo enorme.
A1For Christmas dinner, my grandmother always prepares a huge turkey.
El pavo es nativo de América del Norte.
A2The turkey is native to North America.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Rule
Even when referring to a female turkey, the general term is often 'el pavo.' If you need to specify the gender, use 'la pava' for the female bird.
⭐ Usage Tips
Be Specific
If you are talking about the bird, you can just say 'pavo.' If you are talking about the meat you eat, you can also say 'pavo,' or 'carne de pavo' to be clearer.
Pavo (noun) - Meaning a silly or clueless person.
pavo(noun)
silly person
?someone clueless or naive
,clown
?someone acting foolishly
idiot
?mild insult
📝 In Action
¡Qué pavo eres! ¿Cómo se te ocurrió hacer eso?
B1What an idiot you are! How did it occur to you to do that?
Mi hermano es un poco pavo cuando intenta hablar con chicas.
B2My brother is a bit clueless/awkward when he tries to talk to girls.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Pavo' as an Adjective
This word can also be used as an adjective (a describing word) meaning 'silly' or 'awkward.' Example: 'Está un poco pavo' (He is a bit awkward).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Agreement
Mistake: "Using 'el pavo' to refer to a silly girl."
Correction: When referring to a silly female, you must use the feminine form: 'Ella es una pava' (She is a silly girl).
⭐ Usage Tips
Regional Alert
This slang meaning is very common in Spain but might not be understood or used in the same way in other Latin American countries. Use with caution outside of Spain.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pavo
Question 1 of 2
If someone in Madrid tells you, 'No seas tan pavo,' what are they trying to communicate?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'pavo' always mean 'turkey'?
No. While its primary meaning is the bird or the meat (turkey), in Spain, it is extremely common slang for a person who is acting silly, clumsy, or naive. Always check the region and context!
Is 'pavo real' the same as 'pavo'?
'Pavo real' literally translates to 'royal turkey,' but it means 'peacock.' If you just say 'pavo,' people will almost always understand you mean the Thanksgiving/Christmas bird.