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How to Say "cutthroat" in Spanish

English → Spanish

feroz

feh-ROHSfeˈɾos

adjectiveB2general
Use 'feroz' to describe intense, aggressive, or ruthless competition between entities like businesses or individuals.
A powerful storm with dark clouds and bright lightning striking the ground.

Examples

Hay una competencia feroz entre las dos empresas.

There is fierce competition between the two companies.

Sentí un dolor feroz en la espalda.

I felt an intense pain in my back.

carnicero

kar-nee-seh-rohkaɾ.niˈse.ɾo

adjectiveB2figurative
Use 'carnicero' figuratively to describe extremely ruthless, brutal, or predatory behavior, often in a business context or when referring to a vicious instinct.
A large, rectangular silver butcher's cleaver resting on a worn wooden cutting block.

Examples

El corredor de bolsa tenía un instinto carnicero en el mercado.

The stockbroker had a cutthroat instinct in the market.

El perro tiene un instinto carnicero cuando caza.

The dog has a butchering/vicious instinct when hunting.

Usó un cuchillo carnicero para cortar el jamón.

He used a butchering knife to cut the ham.

Agreement

As an adjective, 'carnicero' must match the thing it describes in number (singular/plural) and gender (masculine/feminine). For example, 'una acción carnicera' (a ruthless action).

Carnicero vs. Feroz

Learners often confuse 'carnicero' and 'feroz' because both imply intensity. Remember that 'feroz' is best for describing competition itself, while 'carnicero' is for describing the ruthless *nature* or *instinct* behind aggressive actions, often with a more negative or brutal connotation.

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