Inklingo

How to Say "hybrid" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “hybrid” is “híbrido” — use this when describing something that is a combination of two different elements, such as a car that runs on both gasoline and electricity.

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híbrido

adjectiveB1
Use this when describing something that is a combination of two different elements, such as a car that runs on both gasoline and electricity.

Examples

Mi hermano se compró un coche híbrido para gastar menos gasolina.

My brother bought a hybrid car to spend less on gas.

híbrido

nounB2
Use this when referring to the specific creature or thing that results from the mixture of two different species or elements.

Examples

El ligre es un híbrido entre un león y una tigresa.

The liger is a hybrid between a lion and a tigress.

cruce

kroo-sehˈkɾuθe

nounB1technical (genetics)
This term is specifically used in genetics to refer to the offspring resulting from the mating of two different breeds, species, or varieties.
A unique dog standing, clearly showing physical features inherited from two different breeds, representing a crossbreed.

Examples

El perro es el cruce de un labrador y un pastor alemán.

The dog is a crossbreed between a Labrador and a German Shepherd.

Estudiaron el cruce de estas dos especies de flores.

They studied the crossbreeding of these two flower species.

cruza

KROO-sahˈkɾusa

nounB1
Use this to describe a mixture or blend of two different things or species, often used informally for animals.
A friendly dog that has features of both a Golden Retriever and a Poodle.

Examples

Mi perro es una cruza de pastor alemán y labrador.

My dog is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Labrador.

Esta planta es una cruza muy resistente.

This plant is a very hardy hybrid.

Noun Gender

Even if the animal is male, you still use 'una cruza' because the word for 'a crossbreed' itself is feminine.

bastardo

bahs-TAHR-dohbasˈtardo

adjectiveC2formal, historical
This word refers to something of mixed or irregular origin, particularly used in historical contexts for scripts or lineage.
A unique flower with petals of two different colors, orange and purple, growing from one stem.

Examples

La letra bastarda era muy común en los manuscritos del siglo XVI.

The bastard script (slanted style) was very common in 16th-century manuscripts.

Es un idioma bastardo que mezcla raíces de tres lenguas diferentes.

It is a hybrid language that mixes roots from three different tongues.

Su estilo arquitectónico es bastardo, no sigue ninguna regla clara.

His architectural style is impure; it doesn't follow any clear rules.

Describing Objects

When used as an adjective for objects, it means 'not pure' rather than 'bad' or 'mean'.

Technical Confusion

Mistake: “Coche bastardo.”

Correction: Coche híbrido.

Híbrido vs. Cruce/Cruza

Learners often confuse 'híbrido' with 'cruce' or 'cruza'. Remember that 'híbrido' is broader and can apply to technology (hybrid car), while 'cruce' and 'cruza' are primarily for biological offspring or mixtures of species.

Related Translations

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