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.
ka-CHOH-rrohkaˈtʃoro
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
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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