perros
/PEH-rrohs (Make sure to roll the 'rr' sound!)/
dogs
The most common meaning of "perros" is dogs, referring to these playful canine animals.
📝 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?
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Plural
Since 'perro' is a masculine word, its plural 'perros' must be used with masculine plural articles like 'los' (the) or 'unos' (some).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong article
Mistake: "Las perros"
Correction: Los perros. Remember, the word ending in -o usually means it takes masculine articles.
⭐ Usage Tips
Calling the animal
To call a dog over, you can use '¡Ven acá!' (Come here!) or a simple whistling sound.
In certain slang contexts, "perros" can be used to refer to money or 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?
💡 Grammar Points
Context is Key
If you are talking about money, this slang is only understood if the surrounding conversation is very informal or if you are in a specific region where this usage is common.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Caution
Avoid using 'perros' to mean money in formal situations or with people you don't know well, as it is highly colloquial.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: perros
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'perros' in its primary, neutral meaning?
📚 More Resources
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.'