zoológico
/so-oh-LOH-hee-koh/
zoo
Un zoológico is a place where animals are kept for people to see.
📝 In Action
Fuimos al zoológico para ver los elefantes.
A1We went to the zoo to see the elephants.
El zoológico de la ciudad es muy grande y tiene muchos árboles.
A2The city zoo is very big and has many trees.
¿A qué hora cierra el zoológico?
A1What time does the zoo close?
💡 Grammar Points
The Hidden 'O'
Notice there are two 'o's at the beginning. You should pronounce both clearly (so-oh) rather than sliding them together into one sound.
Always Masculine
When referring to the place (the zoo), it is always 'el zoológico.' It doesn't change even if there are only female animals inside!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the Accent
Mistake: "zoologico"
Correction: zoológico
⭐ Usage Tips
Keep it Short
Just like in English, most people in casual conversation just say 'el zoo' (pronounced like 'so') instead of the full word.
The word zoológico can also describe things relating to the study of animals.
📝 In Action
Ella está escribiendo un reporte zoológico sobre los reptiles.
B2She is writing a zoological report about reptiles.
El jardín zoológico fue fundado en 1920.
B1The zoological garden was founded in 1920.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching the Gender
When used to describe a word, this must match. Use 'zoológico' for masculine words like 'jardín' and 'zoológica' for feminine words like 'investigación'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: zoológico
Question 1 of 2
Which of these is the most natural way to say 'We are going to the zoo' in a casual conversation?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'zoo' and 'zoológico' the same thing?
Yes! 'Zoo' is just a shorter, more informal way to say 'zoológico,' just like in English.
How do I pronounce the double 'o'?
Don't merge them. It's not a long 'u' sound like in 'boot.' Say 'so-oh,' giving a tiny beat to each vowel.