caza mayor
Lemma Details
Translation: big game hunting; big game; hunting of large animals
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Compound term from 'caza' (hunting) and 'mayor' (major, larger). 'Caza' derives from Latin 'captare' (to chase, hunt), related to 'capture' in English. 'Mayor' comes from Latin 'maior' (greater), which is the source of English 'major'. The term specifically refers to the hunting of large animals as opposed to 'caza menor' (small game hunting).
Commonality: 40%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mi tío practica la caza mayor en la sierra durante el otoño.
My uncle practices big game hunting in the mountains during autumn.
Se necesita una licencia especial para la caza mayor en esta región.
A special license is needed for big game hunting in this region.
El jabalí es una especie típica de la caza mayor en España.
The wild boar is a typical species in big game hunting in Spain.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'mayor' as 'major' animals - the big ones.
- Caza = chase (similar sound) + mayor = major (bigger animals)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Spain, hunting is categorized into 'caza mayor' (big game) and 'caza menor' (small game). Caza mayor has cultural significance in rural areas and is regulated by specific hunting seasons and licenses. It often involves hunting deer, wild boar, mouflon, and other large mammals.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'caza mayor' refers to hunting large animals like deer and wild boar, 'caza menor' refers to hunting smaller animals like rabbits, partridges, and other birds.
This word:
Necesitas un rifle potente para la caza mayor.
You need a powerful rifle for big game hunting.
Confused word:
La caza menor se practica principalmente con escopeta.
Small game hunting is mainly practiced with a shotgun.
Notes: The equipment, licenses, and regulations differ significantly between caza mayor and caza menor.
Mnemonic: Mayor (major) = bigger animals; menor (minor) = smaller animals
Explanation: 'Caza mayor' (big game hunting) vs 'casa mayor' (larger house or main house). They sound very similar but have completely different meanings.
This word:
Mi padre disfruta de la caza mayor en temporada.
My father enjoys big game hunting in season.
Confused word:
La familia vive en la casa mayor de la finca.
The family lives in the main house of the estate.
Notes: The pronunciation difference is subtle in many Spanish dialects, making these terms easily confused in conversation.
Mnemonic: Caza with Z is for hunting (think 'zealous pursuit'), casa with S is for house (shelter).