toro

Lemma Details

Translation: bull; bullfight

Part of Speech: noun

Etymology: From Latin 'taurus' meaning 'bull'. This Latin root also gave us the English word 'taurus' (the astrological sign), 'taurine' (relating to bulls), and is connected to the English word 'steer' (a castrated bull). The word has deep cultural significance in Spain and Latin America, particularly in connection with bullfighting traditions.

Commonality: 80%

Guessability: 70%

Register: neutral

Mnemonics

  • Think of the zodiac sign Taurus, which is represented by a bull.
  • The word sounds like 'torso' in English, and bulls have strong, muscular torsos.
  • Connect it to the English word 'toreador' (bullfighter), which comes from the same root.

Related Words, Phrases & Idioms

corrida de toros

Unknown

No translation

torero

Unknown

No translation

tauromaquia

Unknown

No translation

agarrar el toro por los cuernos

Unknown

No translation

ver los toros desde la barrera

Unknown

No translation

Synonyms

buey

Unknown

No translation

macho

Unknown

No translation

Antonyms

vaca

Unknown

No translation

ternero

Unknown

No translation

Cultural Context

The toro is a powerful cultural symbol in Spain and many Latin American countries. Bullfighting (corrida de toros) is a traditional spectacle in Spain, Portugal, parts of France, and several Latin American countries. The bull represents strength, virility, and courage in Hispanic culture. The Running of the Bulls (encierro) in Pamplona, Spain is a famous festival where bulls run through the streets.

Easily Confused With

toro

Unknown

No translation

Commonality: 0%

Explanation: The Spanish 'toro' (bull) can be confused with the Italian 'toro', which means the same thing but is pronounced slightly differently.

Notes: The Spanish pronunciation has a trilled 'r' sound.

Mnemonic: Spanish and Italian share many cognates, including 'toro'.

todo

Unknown

No translation

Commonality: 0%

Explanation: 'Toro' (bull) can be confused with 'todo' (all, everything) due to similar spelling, differing only by one letter.

Notes: These words are commonly used but have completely different meanings.

Mnemonic: Remember: 'r' in toro for the animal with horns, 'd' in todo for 'done' (everything).