Inklingo

How to Say "hybrid" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cruza

/KROO-sah//ˈkɾusa/

nounB1general
Use 'cruza' when referring to the resulting mix of two different things or species, particularly in the context of animals or plants.
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.

cruce

/kroo-seh//ˈkɾuθe/

nounB1general
Use 'cruce' when specifically referring to the genetic act or result of crossing two different breeds or species, often in a more scientific or formal context.
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 vs. Cruce

The most common mistake is confusing 'cruza' and 'cruce'. While both refer to a mix, 'cruza' often emphasizes the resulting hybrid itself, while 'cruce' can highlight the act or process of crossing. For everyday descriptions of mixed-breed pets, 'cruza' is often more natural.

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