Inklingo

How to Say "pack" in Spanish

English → Spanish

manada

mah-NAH-dahmaˈnaða

nounB1general
Use 'manada' when referring to a group of animals, especially wild ones like wolves or elephants, or a large herd.
A simple drawing of three large gray elephants standing close together on a grassy plain, representing a herd.

Examples

Vimos una gran manada de elefantes cruzando la sabana.

We saw a large herd of elephants crossing the savanna.

La manada de lobos cazó un ciervo anoche.

The pack of wolves hunted a deer last night.

El león es el líder de la manada.

The lion is the leader of the pride/pack.

Feminine Noun

Since 'manada' ends in -a, it is always a feminine word. Use feminine articles and adjectives with it: 'una manada grande' (a big herd).

Verb Agreement

Mistake: “Las manadas están corriendo. (Using plural verb form)”

Correction: La manada está corriendo. (The word 'manada' is singular, so the verb must be singular, even if it refers to many animals.)

atajo

ah-TAH-hoaˈtaxo

nounB2informal
Choose 'atajo' when referring to a group of people that you dislike or consider undesirable, often implying they are a 'bunch' or 'gang'.
A small group of colorful balloons tied together with a single string.

Examples

¡Eran un atajo de mentirosos!

They were a bunch of liars!

Vimos un atajo de cabras cruzando el monte.

We saw a pack of goats crossing the hill.

Negative Connotation

When used with people, this word is almost always an insult, similar to calling a group a 'pack' or a 'gang'.

Careful with context

Mistake: “Mi atajo de amigos es bueno.”

Correction: Mi grupo de amigos es bueno. (Using 'atajo' here sounds like you are insulting your friends).

pelotón

nounB2sports
Use 'pelotón' specifically for the main group or 'pack' of competitors in a race, such as in cycling or running.

Examples

El ciclista logró mantenerse con el pelotón a pesar del fuerte viento.

The cyclist managed to stay with the peloton despite the strong wind.

Animals vs. People

Learners often confuse 'manada' and 'atajo'. Remember that 'manada' is almost exclusively for animals, while 'atajo' is for groups of people, usually with a negative judgment. Do not use 'manada' for people.

Related Translations

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