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torero

toh-REH-roh/toˈɾeɾo/

bullfighter

Also: matador
NounmA2
Spain & Mexico
A bullfighter in a traditional costume holding a red cape.

📝 In Action

El torero lleva un traje de luces muy brillante.

A1

The bullfighter wears a very shiny 'suit of lights'.

Mi abuelo era un gran admirador de los famosos toreros de su época.

B1

My grandfather was a great admirer of the famous bullfighters of his time.

Para ser torero, se necesita muchísima disciplina y valor.

B2

To be a bullfighter, you need a lot of discipline and courage.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • matador (killer/main bullfighter)
  • diestro (skilled bullfighter)

Common Collocations

  • plaza de toros – bullring
  • traje de luces – bullfighter's costume
  • faena de torero – a bullfighter's performance

Idioms & Expressions

  • cambiar de tercio – To change the subject of a conversation (from the stages of a bullfight)
  • hacer una torería – To do something very brave or impressively skillful

bullfighting-style

Also: brave and elegant
A close up of a decorative jacket with intricate gold embroidery and patterns.

📝 In Action

Hizo un gesto muy torero para despedirse del público.

B2

He made a very bullfighter-like gesture to say goodbye to the audience.

Ese restaurante tiene un ambiente muy torero.

B1

That restaurant has a very bullfighting-themed atmosphere.

Caminaba con un aire torero, lleno de confianza.

C1

He walked with a bullfighter's air, full of confidence.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • taurino (bull-related)

Common Collocations

  • aire torero – a bullfighter's poise
  • gesto torero – a brave/elegant gesture

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "torero" in Spanish:

bullfighter→bullfighting-style→matador→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: torero

Question 1 of 3

How do you say 'He is a bullfighter' correctly in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
toro(bull) — Noun
torear(to fight bulls / to dodge a problem) — Verb
toreo(the art of bullfighting) — Noun
torera(female bullfighter / short jacket) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Derived from the Spanish word 'toro' (bull), which comes from the Latin 'taurus'. It literally means 'someone who deals with bulls'.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Latin: taurariusPortuguese: toureiro

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 'matador' different from a 'torero'?

Yes, slightly. 'Torero' is a general term for anyone in the ring (including assistants), while 'matador' is specifically the star who leads the team and finishes the fight.

Can women be toreros?

Yes, though it is less common. A female bullfighter is called a 'torera'.

Is the word 'torero' used outside of Spain?

Yes, it is used in any Spanish-speaking country that has a bullfighting tradition, such as Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador.