Inklingo

How to Say "to prowl" in Spanish

English → Spanish

rondar

/ron-DAR//ronˈdaɾ/

verbB1
Use 'rondar' when referring to movement that is quiet, often done by animals, or by people or authorities who are moving around an area, like police patrolling or someone suspiciously circling a place.
A security guard in a blue uniform walking with a flashlight along a garden fence at night.

Examples

La policía ronda el barrio todas las noches por seguridad.

The police patrol the neighborhood every night for security.

El gato ronda la mesa esperando que caiga algo de comida.

The cat is hanging around the table waiting for some food to fall.

Había un hombre extraño rondando la casa de mi vecino.

There was a strange man prowling around my neighbor's house.

Direct Action

Unlike English, you don't always need a preposition like 'around' after 'rondar'. You can say 'ronda la casa' directly to mean 'he prowls around the house'.

Continuous Action

Using the '-ando' form (rondando) is very common when describing someone being suspicious or lingering right now.

Confusion with 'Rodear'

Mistake: “Rondaron el edificio con una valla.”

Correction: Rodearon el edificio con una valla.

merodear

/meh-roh-deh-ahr//meɾoðeˈaɾ/

verbB2
Choose 'merodear' specifically for movement that is secret or suspicious, implying someone is lurking or casing a place, often with negative connotations.
A sleek black cat with glowing eyes walking quietly through tall grass at night.

Examples

Había un hombre extraño merodeando por el vecindario anoche.

There was a strange man prowling around the neighborhood last night.

Vimos a un gato montés merodear cerca del campamento.

We saw a bobcat prowling near the campsite.

No me gusta que esos chicos se queden merodeando frente a mi tienda.

I don't like those kids loitering in front of my store.

Using 'por' with Merodear

To say you are prowling 'around' a place, use the word 'por'. For example: 'merodear por el jardín' means to wander through/around the garden.

It's a regular verb

Even though it looks fancy, it follows the exact same patterns as 'hablar' or 'cantar' in every form.

Confusing 'merodear' with 'robar'

Mistake: “Using 'merodear' to mean the act of stealing itself.”

Correction: Use 'merodear' for the suspicious movement *before* or *around* a place, and 'robar' for the actual theft.

Rondar vs. Merodear

Learners often confuse 'rondar' and 'merodear' because both involve moving around. Remember that 'merodear' strongly implies suspicion or secrecy, while 'rondar' can be neutral, like a routine patrol.

Related Translations

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