vacas
“vacas” means “cows” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
cows
Also: cattle
📝 In Action
Las vacas pastan tranquilamente en el campo.
A1The cows graze peacefully in the field.
Necesitamos comprar leche fresca de las vacas.
A2We need to buy fresh milk from the cows.
vacation
Also: holidays
📝 In Action
¡Ya quiero que lleguen las vacas de verano!
B1I really want summer vacation to arrive already!
¿Qué planes tienes para las vacas?
B2What plans do you have for the holidays?
Vocabulary Collections
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: vacas
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'vacas' in its informal meaning?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word 'vaca' (the singular form) comes directly from the Latin word *vacca*, meaning 'cow'. The plural form 'vacas' has been used for centuries. The informal meaning 'vacation' is a recent, playful shortening of the word 'vacaciones'.
First recorded: Before 10th century (as *vaca*)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'vacas' sometimes mean 'vacation'?
It is a very common, informal abbreviation (or 'clipping') of the word 'vacaciones.' It's similar to how English speakers might say 'hols' instead of 'holidays.'
Is 'vacas' masculine or feminine?
It is always feminine, following the gender of the singular word 'vaca.' You must use 'las' (the) or other feminine words with it.