perros
“perros” means “dogs” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
dogs
Also: hounds
📝 In Action
Los perros de mi vecina son muy ruidosos.
A1My neighbor's dogs are very noisy.
¿Cuántos perros tienes en casa?
A1How many dogs do you have at home?
money
Also: dough, cash
📝 In Action
Necesito unos perros para comprarme una bebida.
B2I need some cash to buy myself a drink.
¿Tienes perros sueltos?
C1Do you have any loose change?
Vocabulary Collections
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: perros
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'perros' in its primary, neutral meaning?
📚 More Resources
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Unlike the classical Latin word for dog (*canis*), the Spanish word 'perro' (and thus 'perros') emerged later, likely from an Iberian root, or perhaps from words that imitate the sound a dog makes. It became the most common word for the animal in Spanish well over 500 years ago.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish period (approx. 11th-13th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'perros' sometimes used to mean money?
This is a popular piece of slang, particularly in Chile and parts of Mexico. The specific origin is debated, but one common theory suggests it started because old copper coins had a crude image that people jokingly compared to a dog.
How do I know whether 'perros' means 'dogs' or 'money'?
Context is everything. If you are talking about walking in a park or needing a collar, it means 'dogs.' If you are talking about paying for something or needing cash, especially in a slang-heavy conversation, it probably means 'money.'