Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Lamb in Spanish: Cordero
Cordero · noun · kor-DEH-roh
The standard Spanish word for 'lamb' is 'cordero' (el cordero), a masculine noun that refers to both the young animal and its meat. Unlike English, which distinguishes between 'lamb' (young) and 'sheep' (adult), Spanish uses 'cordero' for the young animal and 'oveja' for an adult sheep. In Mexico, 'borrego' is widely used in everyday speech for both lamb and sheep, and 'barbacoa de borrego' is a famous regional dish. The diminutive 'corderito' conveys affection, as in children's songs and stories.
'Cordero' is pronounced kor-DEH-roh, with three syllables and the stress on the second syllable 'DEH.' The 'r' between vowels is a single tap (like the 't' in American English 'butter'). The final 'o' is a short, pure vowel.
Pedimos cordero asado con patatas para la cena.
We ordered roast lamb with potatoes for dinner.
Lamb in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for lamb, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| cordero | lamb | kor-DEH-roh | Default, widely understood |
| borrego | lamb | Mexico, colloquial for lamb or sheep | |
| corderito | lamb | diminutive, little lamb, affectionate |
How Native Speakers Use Cordero
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
At a restaurant
El cordero al horno es la especialidad de este restaurante.
The oven-roasted lamb is the specialty of this restaurant.
'Cordero al horno' is a classic preparation. 'Al horno' means 'oven-baked' or 'roasted' and is a key culinary phrase.
At the butcher shop
Deme medio kilo de chuletas de cordero, por favor.
Give me half a kilo of lamb chops, please.
'Chuletas de cordero' (lamb chops) is the standard term. 'Deme' is the formal imperative of 'dar,' appropriate when speaking to a shopkeeper.
On a farm
Los corderitos nacieron esta primavera y ya corren por el campo.
The little lambs were born this spring and are already running through the field.
The diminutive 'corderitos' is used affectionately, especially when talking about baby animals. It is common in rural and pastoral contexts.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Cordero
Confusing 'cordero' with 'oveja'
Incorrect: Comimos oveja asada en la fiesta.
Correct: Comimos cordero asado en la fiesta.
'Oveja' refers to an adult sheep and is not typically used for the meat. When ordering or cooking lamb, always use 'cordero.' Also note the gender agreement: 'cordero asado' (masculine), not 'asada.'
Using 'borrego' outside of Mexico
Incorrect: En España, el borrego es muy popular en Navidad.
Correct: En España, el cordero es muy popular en Navidad.
'Borrego' is primarily used in Mexico and parts of Central America. In Spain and most of South America, 'cordero' is the standard word. Using 'borrego' in Spain might sound odd or be misunderstood.
Lock in Lamb Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Cordero used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using cordero in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Pedimos cordero asado con patatas para la cena. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Lamb in Spanish
- What is the difference between 'cordero,' 'oveja,' and 'borrego'?
- 'Cordero' is a young sheep or lamb (and its meat). 'Oveja' is an adult female sheep. 'Borrego' is a Mexican colloquial term that can mean either lamb or sheep depending on context. For the meat specifically, 'cordero' is the safest choice across all regions.
- How do you say 'lamb chops' in Spanish?
- Lamb chops are 'chuletas de cordero.' A rack of lamb is 'costillar de cordero,' and a leg of lamb is 'pierna de cordero.' These terms are consistent across most Spanish-speaking countries.
- Is lamb commonly eaten in Spanish-speaking countries?
- Yes, lamb is popular in Spain, Argentina, Uruguay, and parts of Mexico. In Spain, 'cordero asado' is a traditional Castilian dish. In Argentina, 'cordero patagónico' (Patagonian lamb) is a regional specialty grilled over an open fire.