How to Say "prey" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “prey” is “presa” — use 'presa' when referring to a specific animal that is being hunted or caught by another animal..
presa
PREH-sah/ˈpɾe.sa/
Examples
El león acecha a su presa en la sabana.
The lion stalks its prey on the savanna.
El águila localizó a su presa en el campo abierto.
The eagle located its prey in the open field.
El estafador siempre busca una presa fácil.
The con artist always looks for an easy victim (prey).
Gender Reminder
Even when referring to a male animal that is hunted, 'presa' remains feminine because the word itself is feminine.
Confusing 'Prey' and 'Predator'
Mistake: “Using 'presa' to mean the animal that hunts.”
Correction: Remember 'presa' is the one captured or taken. The hunter is the 'depredador' (predator).
caza
/KAH-sah//ˈkaθa/
Examples
La caza mayor requiere permisos especiales.
Big game hunting requires special permits.
La caza de ballenas está prohibida internacionalmente.
Whaling (the hunting of whales) is internationally prohibited.
Se levantaron al amanecer para ir de caza.
They got up at dawn to go hunting.
La caza menor es parte de la dieta del zorro.
Small game (small hunted animals) is part of the fox's diet.
Always Feminine
Even though 'caza' ends in 'a', remember it always uses feminine articles: 'la caza', 'una caza'.
víctima
Examples
Fue víctima de una estafa telefónica.
He was the victim of a phone scam.
Presa vs. Caza
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.