rancho
“rancho” means “ranch” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
ranch
Also: estate, farm
📝 In Action
Mi tío cría caballos en su rancho cerca de Monterrey.
B1My uncle raises horses on his ranch near Monterrey.
Pasamos el fin de semana en un rancho turístico con mucha historia.
B2We spent the weekend at a historical tourist estate.
hut
Also: shack, cabin
📝 In Action
Construyeron un rancho de paja y barro cerca de la playa.
A2They built a straw and mud hut near the beach.
El viejo vivía solo en su rancho, lejos del pueblo.
B1The old man lived alone in his shack, far from the town.
mess hall
Also: basic meal, camp
📝 In Action
El rancho militar era básico, pero la comida era abundante.
B2The military mess hall was basic, but the food was plentiful.
Nos sirvieron rancho frío después del largo entrenamiento.
C1They served us cold basic rations after the long training.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: rancho
Question 1 of 2
If someone says, 'El rancho que comimos hoy no estaba muy bueno,' what are they most likely complaining about?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word likely comes from the verb *ranchear*, meaning 'to make camp' or 'to lodge,' which itself has roots in the maritime tradition of sharing meals and lodging among sailors. It was adopted and popularized in the Spanish colonies of North and South America to describe a dwelling, and eventually, a large agricultural estate.
First recorded: Early colonial period (16th-17th century)
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the English word 'ranch' related to the Spanish 'rancho'?
Yes! The English word 'ranch' is a direct borrowing from the Spanish 'rancho.' It came into English usage in the American West, where Spanish influence was strongest, and specifically adopted the meaning of a large livestock farm.
Why does 'rancho' have such different meanings (a huge farm and a small shack)?
The core idea of 'rancho' is a dwelling or camp outside of a city. Depending on the region and the time period, this 'camp' developed into either a large, formalized estate (Mexico) or remained a description for a simple, temporary, or rustic home (parts of South America).