salvajes
/sahl-VAH-hes/
wild
As an adjective, salvajes means 'wild', often used to describe animals or nature.
salvajes(adjective)
wild
?describing animals or nature
,untamed
?describing behavior or landscape
feral
?describing domesticated animals that have returned to the wild
,savage
?describing fierce or brutal actions
📝 In Action
Los leones y tigres son animales muy salvajes.
A2Lions and tigers are very wild animals.
Las tierras del norte son salvajes y difíciles de cultivar.
B1The northern lands are wild and difficult to cultivate.
Sus modales en la mesa eran francamente salvajes.
B2His table manners were frankly savage (very bad).
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural
Since 'salvajes' ends in -es, it is the plural form of 'salvaje.' It must always be used to describe multiple people or things (e.g., 'los perros salvajes'—the wild dogs).
Gender Agreement
This adjective works for both masculine and feminine nouns. If you are describing 'los animales' (masculine), use 'salvajes.' If you are describing 'las bestias' (feminine), also use 'salvajes.'
⭐ Usage Tips
More than just animals
You can use 'salvajes' to describe anything that is uncontrolled, intense, or rough, like 'precios salvajes' (wild/uncontrolled prices) or 'una tormenta salvaje' (a fierce storm).
As a noun, salvajes refers to 'wild animals' or undomesticated beasts.
salvajes(noun)
wild animals
?referring to undomesticated beasts
,savages
?referring to people considered uncivilized (often historical/figurative)
wild ones
?general term for untamed beings
📝 In Action
El zoológico tiene una sección dedicada a los salvajes africanos.
B1The zoo has a section dedicated to the African wild animals.
Los exploradores fueron capturados por un grupo de salvajes.
B2The explorers were captured by a group of savages.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective or Noun?
When 'salvajes' is used as a noun, it usually follows a definite article (like 'los' or 'unos') and refers directly to the people or animals themselves, not just their quality.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
Be careful when using 'salvajes' to describe people, as it is often considered an outdated or derogatory term. It is generally safer to use it when referring to animals or plants.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: salvajes
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'salvajes' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the singular form of 'salvajes'?
The singular form is 'salvaje.' Since it ends in -e, it is the same word whether you are describing a masculine or feminine person/thing (e.g., 'un animal salvaje' or 'una bestia salvaje').
Is 'salvajes' used more for people or animals?
In modern Spanish, it is much more frequently used to describe animals, places, or intense, uncontrolled behaviors. Using it to describe people is often avoided, as it can be seen as negative or outdated.