animal

noun adjective ah-nee-MAHL Less Common

Origin: From Latin animalis ('having breath/soul'), from anima ('soul, breath').

Usage Note

Animal is both a noun ('an animal') and a colloquial adjective meaning 'brutish' or 'dim-witted' (¡No seas animal! = 'Don't be such a brute!'). It is grammatically masculine but can describe any biological sex — el animal even when referring to a female creature. In informal speech it can also express admiration for exceptional strength or skill.

Examples

"El animal huyó hacia el bosque."

Natural Translation

The animal fled toward the forest.

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