Spanish word

chivo

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtʃiβo/

Meaning

  • masculine noungoat

Example

El chivo está en el campo.

The goat is in the field.

Illustration for chivo (goat)

More examples

Lo convirtieron en el chivo expiatorio de la empresa.

They turned him into the company's scapegoat.

Core concept

A goat in a pasture.

Common phrases

  • chivo expiatorio

    scapegoat

  • carne de chivo

    goat meat

Similar words

cabra: Adult female goat kept for milk production.
cabrito: Young goat, a small juvenile not yet mature.
cabrita: Young female goat not yet mature.

Definition in Spanish

Se usa para la cabra en uso coloquial; en distintos países puede aludir al macho, al cabrito joven o emplearse para la carne de la cabra.

Word origin

From the Latin root capr- meaning 'goat', chivo comes into Spanish through medieval Romance dialectal changes that yield its present form.

Usage tips

  • In many countries chivo is ambiguous about sex and age, and the phrase carne de chivo identifies goat meat.

Other meanings

  • billy goatnoun
  • kidnoun
  • goat meatnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • chivitobaby goatnoun

Word lists with this word