How to Say "feed" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “feed” is “pasto” — use 'pasto' when referring to the food or nourishment provided to animals, or the act of animals eating..
pasto
/PAHS-toh//ˈpasto/
Examples
Los animales necesitan pasto fresco para crecer.
The animals need fresh feed (food/grass) to grow.
Las vacas están en el pasto.
The cows are out at pasture (feeding).
La casa vieja fue pasto de las llamas.
The old house was consumed by the flames.
Ese escándalo fue pasto de los chismes por semanas.
That scandal was fodder for gossip for weeks.
Metaphorical Use
When used metaphorically (like 'fodder for fire'), 'pasto' describes something that is easily consumed or taken advantage of.
cebo
/SEH-boh//ˈθeβo/ (Spain), /ˈseβo/ (Latin America)
Examples
El pescador usó un gusano como cebo para atraer a los peces.
The fisherman used a worm as bait (feed) to attract the fish.
Puse un gusano en el anzuelo como cebo.
I put a worm on the hook as bait.
El pescador olvidó comprar el cebo vivo.
The fisherman forgot to buy the live bait.
Los cazadores dejaron cebo para atraer al animal.
The hunters left bait to attract the animal.
Always Masculine
Even if you are trying to catch a female animal, the word 'cebo' is always masculine ('el cebo').
Naming Things
When 'cebo' is used to describe a type of food for animals, it usually refers to food intended to make them gain weight quickly.
The 'S' vs 'C' confusion
Mistake: “Using 'sebo' when you mean 'bait'.”
Correction: Use 'cebo' (with a C) for bait. 'Sebo' (with an S) means animal fat or grease!
Bait vs. Food
Related Translations
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