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

Part of Speech

The word ganso is a noun.

Phonetic Transcription

/ganso/

Translation Options into English

• Goose (the common bird)
• Gander (specifically, a male goose)

Meaning and Usage

In Spanish, ganso primarily refers to a goose, a large waterbird that typically has a long neck and is known for its honking vocalization. The term can be used both in a literal sense when discussing the bird itself and in a figurative sense in idiomatic expressions.

Frequency of Use: The word ganso is moderately used in both oral and written contexts, particularly in conversations about animals, nature, and agriculture. It is also encountered in various colloquial expressions.

Example Sentences

1. El ganso nada en el lago mientras los patos descansan.

2. The goose swims in the lake while the ducks rest.

3. Vi un ganso muy grande en la granja de mi abuelo.

4. I saw a very large goose at my grandfather's farm.

Idiomatic Expressions

The term ganso appears in various idiomatic expressions in Spanish. Here are a few examples:

1. "Eres un ganso."
2. Translation: "You are a fool."

3. This refers to someone who is acting silly or foolishly.

4. "No seas ganso."

5. Translation: "Don't be a fool."

6. Used to advise someone to stop being foolish or to think more carefully.

7. "A ganso viejo no lo engañas."

8. Translation: "You can't fool an old goose."

9. This expression means that experienced people are hard to deceive or trick.

10. "Hacer el ganso."

11. Translation: "To play the fool."

12. Refers to someone who is acting silly or entertaining others through foolish behavior.

13. "Como ganso en el agua."

14. Translation: "Like a goose in water."
15. Used to describe someone who is perfectly at ease in their surroundings.

Etymology

The word ganso originates from the Latin word "anser," which also means goose. Its evolution through various languages maintained the reference to the bird and extended into idiomatic usage in Spanish.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Pato (Duck) - Although a duck is a different bird, it's often mentioned in the same contexts as gansos.
• Ave acuática (Waterbird) - A more general term that includes both geese and ducks.

Antonyms

• Pájaro de tierra (Land bird) - Referring to birds that are primarily terrestrial, like chickens or sparrows, which contrasts with waterfowl like geese.