Noun
/buˈro/
The word "burro" primarily refers to the animal known as a donkey. In colloquial Mexican Spanish, it is also frequently used to denote someone who is perceived as foolish or lacking intelligence, akin to calling someone an "idiot" in English. The term can be used in various contexts, including both written and oral forms, but its colloquial usage is more common in everyday speech.
El burro es un animal pacífico y juega un papel importante en la agricultura.
The donkey is a peaceful animal and plays an important role in agriculture.
No seas burro, escúchame antes de tomar una decisión.
Don't be an idiot, listen to me before making a decision.
El burro cargó con las herramientas durante todo el viaje.
The donkey carried the tools throughout the whole trip.
"Burro" is often used in idiomatic expressions in Spanish, particularly in Mexican colloquial language. Here are some examples:
Hacer algo como burro
To do something foolishly
Ella hizo el trabajo como burro, sin pensar en las consecuencias.
She did the work foolishly, without thinking about the consequences.
Más burro que un burro
Dumber than a donkey
A veces parece que actúas más burro que un burro.
Sometimes it seems like you act dumber than a donkey.
El burro delante para que no se asuste
The donkey in front so it doesn't get scared (used to describe ensuring that the more vulnerable is protected)
Siempre ponemos al burro delante para que no se asuste durante el viaje.
We always put the donkey in front so it doesn’t get scared during the trip.
The word "burro" comes from the Spanish term for donkey, which is derived from the Latin "burricus," meaning "small horse." The term has evolved over time, with the modern use also encompassing metaphorical meanings.
Synonyms: - As a donkey: asno, mulo (mule) - As an idiot: tonto, necio
Antonyms: - As a donkey: caballo (horse) - As an idiot: inteligente (intelligent)