cacho (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

"Cacho" is primarily used as a noun. It can also function as a slang term depending on the context.

Phonetic Transcription

/ká.tʃo/

Translation Options into English

• Piece
• Chunks
• A bit
• A lot (in slang contexts)
• Eloquent (in some Chilean contexts)

Meaning and Usage

In general Spanish, "cacho" can refer to a small piece or a chunk of something. In some South American countries, particularly in Bolivia and Argentina, it may also refer to a part of something, often with a connotation of something that is not specifically defined or considerable. The term is quite common in colloquial speech, especially in informal scenarios and among younger speakers.

In terms of frequency, "cacho" tends to be more frequently used in oral contexts rather than written texts, especially in informal conversations.

Example Sentences

1. "Voy a cortarte un cacho de queso para la fiesta."

2. "I’m going to cut you a piece of cheese for the party."

3. "Me quedé con un cacho de helado en la nevera."

4. "I was left with a chunk of ice cream in the freezer."

5. "Siempre me dan cacho cuando no hago los deberes."

6. "I always get a lot of trouble when I don’t do my homework."

Idiomatic Expressions

The term "cacho" is embedded in various idiomatic expressions throughout regional dialects. Here are several examples:

1. Cacho de gato - Used to refer to something that is minor or insignificant.
2. "Eso es un cacho de gato en comparación con el problema real."

3. "That is a small matter compared to the real issue."

4. Hacer un cacho - To cheat or deceive someone, usually in the context of relationships.

5. "Le hizo un cacho a su novia y ahora está arrepentido."

6. "He cheated on his girlfriend and now he regrets it."

7. Cacho de carga - Refers to a burden or something that is difficult to carry or deal with.

8. "El trabajo se convirtió en un cacho de carga para todos en la oficina."

9. "The job turned into a burden for everyone in the office."

10. Matar un cacho - Means to kill time; to do something to pass time.

11. "Decidí matar un cacho viendo una serie en Netflix."

12. "I decided to kill time by watching a series on Netflix."

13. El cacho se viene - Expression meaning that a problem or trouble is expected.

14. "Si no estudias, el cacho viene cuando llegue el examen."
15. "If you don’t study, the trouble will come when the exam arrives."

Etymology

The etymology of "cacho" is somewhat uncertain, but it is believed to derive from the Latin "caput," meaning "head," suggesting a piece or a part of something. This aligns with its usage in referring to small segments or "pieces."

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Trozo (piece) - Fragmento (fragment) - Pedazo (chunk)

Antonyms: - Todo (everything) - Totalidad (totality) - Completo (complete)

By keeping the cultural and regional aspects in mind, "cacho" displays a significant versatility in usage across different Spanish-speaking countries.