How to Say "predator" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “predator” is “depredador” — use 'depredador' when referring to an animal that hunts and kills other animals for food, highlighting its role in the food chain.
depredador
deh-preh-dah-DORdepɾeðaˈðoɾ
Examples
El tiburón es un depredador marino temido por su fuerza.
The shark is a marine predator feared for its strength.
El águila es un depredador con una vista increíble.
The eagle is a predator with incredible eyesight.
Muchos depredadores prefieren cazar durante la noche.
Many predators prefer to hunt during the night.
La introducción de un nuevo depredador cambió el ecosistema.
The introduction of a new predator changed the ecosystem.
Using it as a Noun vs. Adjective
You can use this word as a name for an animal ('el depredador') or as a descriptive word ('un animal depredador').
Gender agreement
If you are describing a female animal, the word changes to 'depredadora' to match.
Confusing with 'Prey'
Mistake: “El conejo es un depredador.”
Correction: El conejo es la presa; el lobo es el depredador. Remember: the predator does the eating!
cazador
kah-zah-DORka.θaˈðoɾ
Examples
En el mundo de los negocios, a veces hay un cazador y a veces una presa.
In the business world, sometimes you're the hunter and sometimes the prey.
Mi abuelo era un cazador experto y conocía bien el bosque.
My grandfather was an expert hunter and knew the forest well.
Los cazadores deben tener una licencia legal para practicar la caza.
Hunters must have a legal license to practice hunting.
El león es el cazador más temido de la sabana.
The lion is the most feared predator (hunter) of the savanna.
Gender and Plural
This word is masculine. To talk about a female hunter, you change the ending to 'cazadora'. The plural for men or mixed groups is 'cazadores'.
Confusing the Noun and the Act
Mistake: “Using 'cazador' when you mean the act of hunting.”
Correction: Use 'caza' (the noun for the act) instead of 'cazador' (the person). Example: 'Vamos de caza' (We are going hunting).
Animal vs. Figurative Use
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.