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How to Say "cub" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “cub” is “cachorro” — use 'cachorro' for the young of many common animals, including pets like dogs and cats, as well as some wild animals like wolves and bears..

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cachorro

/ka-CHOH-rroh//kaˈtʃoro/

nounA1general
Use 'cachorro' for the young of many common animals, including pets like dogs and cats, as well as some wild animals like wolves and bears.
A small golden retriever puppy sitting on a patch of green grass.

Examples

Mi perro todavía es un cachorro.

My dog is still a puppy.

Vimos a un cachorro de león en el zoológico.

We saw a lion cub at the zoo.

La perra cuida a sus cinco cachorros.

The dog is taking care of her five puppies.

Gender of Baby Animals

Use 'cachorro' for a male or unknown gender baby animal, and 'cachorra' for a female one.

Don't use for humans

Mistake: “Calling a human baby 'un cachorro'.”

Correction: Use 'bebé' for humans. 'Cachorro' is strictly for animals unless you are being very poetic or metaphorical.

cría

nounA2general
Use 'cría' specifically for the young of large, wild predators such as lions, tigers, or bears.

Examples

La leona protege a su cría de los depredadores.

The lioness protects her cub from predators.

General vs. Specific Usage

Learners often confuse 'cachorro' and 'cría' by using 'cachorro' for all young animals. Remember that 'cría' is reserved for the offspring of large, wild predators, while 'cachorro' has broader application, including pets.

Related Translations

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