Spanish · Nature, Animals & Weather
"Duck" in Spanish: pato
el pato
A duck is el pato (PAH-toh). It is masculine: un pato, los patos. A female duck can be la pata.
How to pronounce pato: audio and sound guideIn a park
El pato nada en el lago.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce pato
Say it
PAH-toh
/ˈpa.to/
PAH-toh. Stress PAH. Clear t. Keep pato to two beats.
"Duck" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| el pato | the duck Default everyday word. | Default everyday word. |
| la pata | the female duck / duck leg Female bird; also means a leg—context matters. | Female bird; also means a leg—context matters. |
| los patos | the ducks Plural. | Plural. |
| el pato a la naranja | duck à l'orange Restaurant dish name. | Restaurant dish name. |
How to use pato in real life
- 1In a park
El pato nada en el lago.
The duck swims in the lake.
El pato as subject.
- 2Feeding birds
Los niños miran al pato.
The kids watch the duck.
Al pato as object.
- 3Counting
Hay cuatro patos juntos.
There are four ducks together.
Patos is the plural.
Mistakes English speakers make with pato
Incorrect: La pato nada rápido.
Correct: El pato nada rápido.
Pato is masculine. Use el pato.
Incorrect: Vi una pata nadando (meaning male duck).
Correct: Vi un pato nadando.
Pato is the usual word. Pata can mean female duck or a leg.
Good to know
Good to knowPato is the park and farm word for duck. On menus, pato means duck meat. Pata can mean a female duck or a leg, so beginners often stick to pato.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
At a park pond
ChatPal
Mira ese pato blanco.
Look at that white duck.
You
El pato pide pan.
The duck is asking for bread.
ChatPal
Mejor no les demos pan.
Better not give them bread.
You
Tienes razón. Solo miro.
You're right. I'll just watch.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Duck" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Duck" in Spanish
Is pato masculine or feminine?
Masculine: el pato. A female can be la pata.
Why is pata confusing?
Pata can mean female duck or leg. Pato is clearer.
How do you pronounce pato?
PAH-toh with stress on PAH.
How do I say ducks in the plural?
Los patos.
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