How Do You Say Pets in Spanish?

Pets are a common sight in homes around the world, and people often wonder how to say "pet" in Spanish. The answer, as with many things in language, is not always straightforward. Here's a look at the different ways to say "pet" in Spanish, along with some examples.

Common Ways to Say "Pet" in Spanish

The most common way to say "pet" in Spanish is "mascota." This word can be used for any animal kept for companionship or pleasure, such as dogs, cats, birds, and fish.

Here are some examples of how to use "mascota" in a sentence:

• Tengo una mascota, un gato llamado Pelusa. (I have a pet, a cat named Pelusa.)
• Mi mascota favorita es mi perro, un labrador llamado Max. (My favorite pet is my dog, a Labrador named Max.)
• Cuido de la mascota de mi vecina cuando ella está fuera de la ciudad. (I take care of my neighbor's pet when she's out of town.)

Other Ways to Say "Pet" in Spanish

In addition to "mascota," there are a few other words that can be used to refer to pets in Spanish. These words are less common, but they can be useful in certain situations.

• Animal de compañía: This phrase literally means "companion animal." It can be used to refer to any pet, but it is often used specifically for pets that are kept indoors, such as cats and dogs.
• Animal doméstico: This phrase literally means "domesticated animal." It can be used to refer to any pet, but it is often used specifically for pets that are used for work or food, such as horses, cows, and chickens.
• Bicho: This word literally means "bug," but it can also be used to refer to small pets, such as hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs.

Conclusion

The most common way to say "pet" in Spanish is "mascota." However, there are a few other words that can be used in certain situations. The best way to learn which word to use is to listen to how native Spanish speakers talk about their pets.