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How to Say "pet" in Spanish

English → Spanish

mascota

/mas-KOH-tah//masˈko.ta/

nounA1general
Use 'mascota' for a general companion animal that lives in your home, like a dog, cat, or hamster.
A smiling child gently petting a friendly golden retriever dog.

Examples

Mi perro es mi mascota favorita.

My dog is my favorite pet.

¿Tienes una mascota en casa? ¿Un gato o un pájaro?

Do you have a pet at home? A cat or a bird?

La veterinaria cuida bien de todas las mascotas del barrio.

The vet takes good care of all the neighborhood pets.

Gender Check

Even though the word can refer to a male or female animal (like a male dog or a female cat), the word 'mascota' itself is always feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it.

Using the Wrong Article

Mistake: “El mascota es muy lindo.”

Correction: La mascota es muy linda. (Always use the feminine article 'la'.)

bicho

/bee-cho//ˈbitʃo/

nounB1informal
Use 'bicho' informally to refer to an animal, sometimes your own pet, especially if it's large or unusual.
A cute, brown and white dog sitting and looking directly ahead with a cheerful expression.

Examples

¿Qué bicho es ese? Parece un perro gigante.

What animal is that? It looks like a giant dog.

Nuestro gato es un bicho perezoso que solo duerme.

Our cat is a lazy critter that only sleeps.

preferido

/pre-fe-RÍ-do//pɾefeˈɾiðo/

nounB1critical
Use 'preferido' to describe a person who receives unfair favoritism, often in a slightly critical way, similar to 'teacher's pet'.
A young child smiling brightly while lovingly hugging a worn, brown teddy bear. Other unused toys are scattered nearby.

Examples

El director siempre le da los mejores proyectos a su preferido.

The director always gives the best projects to his favorite (his pet).

Ella es la preferida de la familia.

She is the family's favorite.

Noun Use

When used as a noun, 'el preferido' means 'the favorite person.' It requires an article (like 'el' or 'un') and follows the same gender rules: 'la preferida' for a woman.

favorito

fa-vo-RÍ-to/fa.βoˈɾi.to/

nounB1general
Use 'favorito' specifically for 'teacher's pet' when referring to a student who is clearly favored by the teacher, though this usage is less common than 'preferido' for people.
Three simplified cartoon characters lined up for a race, with one character clearly positioned ahead and wearing a small golden laurel wreath, symbolizing the expected winner.

Examples

El equipo local es el favorito para ganar el partido de hoy.

The local team is the favorite to win today's match.

Ella es la favorita de la profesora, siempre saca buenas notas.

She is the teacher's favorite, she always gets good grades.

De todos los postres, el pastel de chocolate es mi favorito.

Out of all the desserts, the chocolate cake is my favorite (one).

Using Articles

When 'favorito' is used as a noun, it almost always needs a definite article (el/la/los/las) in front of it: 'Ella es la favorita' (She is the favorite).

Confusing 'mascota' with words for favoritism

The most common mistake is using 'mascota' when you actually mean someone who is favored. Remember, 'mascota' strictly refers to a companion animal. Words like 'preferido' or 'favorito' are used for people who get special treatment, not for animals you own.

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