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B1 sustantivo #42 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

pavos

Top 42

At the A1 level, you should learn 'pavos' as the plural of 'pavo,' which means 'turkey.' It is an animal you might see on a farm or eat for a special dinner. You should know that 'los pavos' is masculine and plural. For example, 'Los pavos son grandes' (The turkeys are big). At this stage, do not worry about the slang meanings; just focus on the bird. You might see this word in a picture book about animals or on a menu. Remember that in Spanish, we add an '-s' to make 'pavo' plural. It is a common word used when talking about food and nature. You might also learn that turkeys make a sound called 'glugluteo' in Spanish, which is 'gobble' in English.

At the A2 level, you can start to use 'pavos' in more descriptive sentences. You might talk about what 'pavos' eat or where they live. 'Los pavos viven en la granja y comen maíz.' You should also be aware that 'pavo' is a very common dish for Christmas (Navidad) in many Spanish-speaking countries. You might learn phrases like 'pavo relleno' (stuffed turkey). You are also expected to know the difference between 'el pavo' (the turkey) and 'la pava' (the female turkey). This level focuses on everyday life, so knowing how to order 'pavo' at a butcher shop or restaurant is important. You should also be able to use adjectives with it, like 'pavos asados' (roasted turkeys).

At the B1 level, you must learn the colloquial use of 'pavos' in Spain. This is a crucial 'real-world' skill. In Spain, 'pavos' means 'euros' in informal speech. If a friend says, 'Préstame cinco pavos,' they want five euros. You should also learn the idiom 'la edad del pavo,' which refers to the awkward teenage years. At this level, you are moving beyond simple definitions and into cultural nuances. You should be able to distinguish between the literal bird and the slang for money based on the context of the conversation. You also start to see 'pavos' in more complex grammatical structures, such as 'Si tuviera más pavos, me compraría ese coche' (If I had more bucks/euros, I would buy that car).

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'pavos' in various idiomatic expressions and understanding its regional variations. You should know that while 'pavos' is common slang in Spain, it is not used the same way in Latin America. You should be aware of 'guajolote' as the Mexican equivalent for the bird. You can use 'pavos' metaphorically to describe someone's behavior: 'No seas pavo' (Don't be silly). You should also understand the historical reason why the word for turkey is related to the word for peacock (pavo real). At this level, your use of the word should feel natural, and you should be able to use it in debates about traditions, such as whether it is ethical to raise 'pavos' in industrial farms.

At the C1 level, you explore the etymological and literary depths of 'pavos.' You understand how the word evolved from the Latin 'pavo' and how the discovery of the Americas changed the Spanish language. You can recognize 'pavos' in classical literature or complex news articles about the poultry industry's economic impact. You are also sensitive to the subtle registers of the word; for instance, using 'pavos' for money in a formal speech would be a stylistic choice to sound 'street-wise' or relatable, but you know when it is inappropriate. You can also discuss the symbolism of the turkey in different cultures, from the 'pavo de Nochebuena' in Spain to the 'Thanksgiving turkey' in the US, using sophisticated vocabulary.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'pavos.' You understand all its regionalisms, from the Caribbean to the Southern Cone. You can use the word in puns, wordplay, and high-level creative writing. You might analyze how the term 'pavos' has been used in Spanish cinema to depict the working class or urban youth. You are aware of archaic uses of the word and can explain the linguistic shifts in the slang for currency over the decades. Your understanding is not just linguistic but deeply cultural, recognizing the turkey as a symbol of both colonial history and modern consumerism. You can effortlessly switch between the scientific, culinary, and slang registers of the word.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

pavos en 30 secondes

Pavos means turkeys (birds) in the plural form.
In Spain, it is common slang for euros (money).
It is used in 'la edad del pavo' to mean teenage years.
It can informally describe people who are acting silly or foolish.

The word pavos is the plural form of the noun pavo, which primarily refers to the turkey, a large bird native to the Americas. In a biological and culinary context, pavos are central to various traditions across the Spanish-speaking world, particularly during festive seasons. However, the linguistic journey of this word is fascinatingly complex. When the Spanish colonizers first encountered these birds in Mexico, they were struck by their resemblance to the peacocks they knew from Europe and Asia. Consequently, they applied the Latin term pavo (originally meaning peacock) to the American bird. To distinguish them, the peacock became the pavo real (royal turkey/peacock), while the American bird simply became the pavo. Understanding pavos requires recognizing its dual role as both a farm animal and a staple of high-end gastronomy.

Biological Classification: In scientific terms, these birds belong to the genus Meleagris. When people discuss pavos salvajes (wild turkeys) versus pavos domésticos (domestic turkeys), they are often referring to the differences in behavior, plumage, and size resulting from centuries of breeding.

Los pavos caminan libremente por la granja buscando semillas y pequeños insectos.

Beyond the farm, pavos has a very common colloquial usage in Spain that every intermediate learner must know: it is the most frequent slang term for euros. Much like Americans use "bucks" or the British use "quid," Spaniards will say "diez pavos" to mean ten euros. This usage is informal but ubiquitous in shops, bars, and among friends. It is important to note that this specific slang is largely confined to Spain; in Latin America, you are more likely to hear lucas or pesos depending on the country. Furthermore, in some Caribbean and South American regions, pavo can describe someone who is acting silly, boring, or socially awkward, though this is highly regional and can vary in intensity.

The 'Awkward Age': The expression la edad del pavo refers to early adolescence (roughly ages 11 to 15). It describes the period when teenagers are perceived as acting silly, moody, or unpredictable, much like the erratic movements of a turkey.

In literature and idioms, pavos often represent vanity or foolishness. To "subirsele a alguien el pavo" means to blush or become embarrassed, referring to the red wattle of the bird that changes color with its mood. When you see the word pavos, you must contextually decide if the speaker is talking about agriculture, dinner, money, or a teenager's behavior. This versatility makes it a quintessential B1-level word, as it bridges the gap between basic vocabulary and culturally nuanced communication.

Esa chaqueta es muy cara, me costó ochenta pavos en las rebajas.

Using pavos correctly involves mastering its plural agreement and understanding its various semantic shifts. As a standard masculine plural noun, it requires the articles los or unos and adjectives that end in -os. For example, if you are describing a group of large turkeys, you would say los pavos grandes. When using it in the context of money in Spain, the word remains masculine: cinco pavos, veinte pavos. It is never used in the feminine for currency, even if the amount refers to something traditionally feminine.

Verbal Pairings: Common verbs used with pavos include criar (to raise), rellenar (to stuff), asar (to roast), and pagar (to pay, when used as slang).

Mi abuelo solía criar pavos para venderlos durante la temporada de Navidad.

In the context of the idiom la edad del pavo, the word is almost always singular in the phrase, but if you are talking about multiple children in that stage, you might say están en la edad de los pavos, though this is less common than the singular. When used to describe people as "silly," it functions as a predicative adjective or a noun: ¡No seáis pavos! (Don't be silly/stupid!). Here, the plural pavos agrees with the subject vosotros or ustedes. It carries a tone of mild annoyance or playful teasing rather than a harsh insult.

When writing about pavos in a culinary sense, you will often encounter it in recipes. Phrases like pavos rellenos de frutos secos (turkeys stuffed with dried fruits) are common in holiday cookbooks. In Spain, if you are at a market and want to buy several turkeys, you would ask, "¿A cuánto están los pavos?" (How much are the turkeys?). Conversely, if you are at a flea market and want to say something costs five euros, you say "Son cinco pavos." The sentence structure remains simple, but the impact of the word changes entirely based on the setting.

¿Me puedes prestar veinte pavos? Se me olvidó la cartera en casa.

Prepositional Usage: We use de to indicate origin or type: pavos de granja (farm turkeys) or pavos de monte (wild turkeys).

The auditory landscape of pavos varies significantly by geography. If you are walking through a traditional market in Madrid or Barcelona, you will hear pavos in two distinct ways. First, from the butcher shouting about the freshness of the poultry, and second, from younger shoppers discussing prices. "¡Qué caro! ¡Treinta pavos por eso!" (So expensive! Thirty bucks for that!). This slang usage is so ingrained in Spanish culture that it appears frequently in television series, movies, and contemporary music. If you listen to Spanish trap or hip-hop, pavos is the standard unit of currency mentioned in lyrics about wealth or struggle.

En la película, el protagonista pierde mil pavos en una apuesta ilegal.

In Latin America, specifically in Mexico, the word pavos is heard in the context of Christmas and the "Cena de Nochebuena." While guajolote is the indigenous term, pavo is considered slightly more formal or international. You will hear families discussing how many pavos they need to buy for a large family gathering. In rural areas of countries like Colombia or Argentina, pavos are part of the daily soundscape of farm life, and you might hear farmers calling out to their animals or discussing the health of their pavos at local agricultural fairs.

Another common place to hear pavos is in schools or homes with teenagers. Parents often complain about their children being in la edad del pavo. This phrase is a staple of parenting conversations across the Spanish-speaking world. You might hear a mother say, "No le hagas caso, es que está con el pavo," meaning "Don't mind him, he's just at that awkward age." This metaphorical use is deeply rooted and provides a colorful way to describe the transition from childhood to adulthood. Lastly, in the context of the "Pavo de Navidad," you will hear the word constantly in commercials and advertisements during December, promoting everything from supermarket deals to specialized catering services.

Regional Variations: While pavos is understood everywhere, remember that in Chile, you might hear pavos used to mean 'fools' more often than in other places, where it might be considered an old-fashioned insult.

Los niños están insoportables hoy, creo que todos han entrado en la edad de los pavos.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with pavos is confusing it with the word pavor. While they look similar, pavor means "dread" or "terror." Saying "Tengo muchos pavos" when you mean "I am terrified" would actually translate to "I have many turkeys" or "I have many euros," which would lead to significant confusion. Always remember that the bird and the currency end in -o/-os, while the feeling of fear ends in -or.

The Peacock Confusion: Another common error is forgetting the word real when referring to peacocks. If you go to a zoo and point at a peacock saying "Mira los pavos," a native speaker will look for turkeys. You must say pavos reales to be accurate.

Incorrect: Me da pavo la oscuridad. (Correct: Me da pavor la oscuridad).

Regarding the slang for money, a common mistake is using pavos in Latin America to mean dollars or local currency. While it might be understood due to the influence of Spanish media, it sounds distinctly "from Spain." If you are in Mexico and say "Cuesta diez pavos," people might think you are trying to sound like a Spaniard or are literally talking about birds. In the Americas, stick to the local slang like varos (Mexico) or mangos (Argentina). Additionally, learners often forget that pavo can be an adjective in some regions. Calling someone pavo is calling them silly, but calling them un pavo is calling them a turkey. The nuance is small but important for natural-sounding speech.

Finally, be careful with the phrase la edad del pavo. Some learners try to pluralize it as la edad de los pavos when talking about one person, which is incorrect. The idiom is fixed in the singular del pavo. Also, avoid using pavos in formal writing to mean money. In a business report or a formal email, always use euros. Using pavos in a professional setting would be as inappropriate as using "bucks" in a corporate financial statement.

Incorrect: El presupuesto es de cinco mil pavos. (Correct: El presupuesto es de cinco mil euros).

When you want to avoid repeating pavos or need a more specific term, there are several alternatives depending on the context. In Mexico and parts of Central America, the most common alternative for the bird is guajolote. This word comes from the Nahuatl huexolotl and is deeply tied to Mexican identity and traditional cuisine. If you are in a Mexican market, using guajolotes will make you sound much more like a local. In other regions, you might hear bimbo or pisca, though these are much more localized and less common.

Pavo vs. Guajolote: Pavo: Universal, used in Spain and most of Latin America.
Guajolote: Specific to Mexico, carries a more traditional or rural connotation.

For the slang meaning of "money," the alternatives are vast and vary by country. In Spain, besides pavos, you might hear pelas (though this originally referred to the old peseta currency and is becoming less common among the youth). In Mexico, you would use varos or lanas. In Argentina and Uruguay, mangos or guita are the preferred terms. In Colombia, lucas (usually for thousands) is very common. Knowing these alternatives is crucial for B1 learners who plan to travel, as it helps them navigate local markets and social situations without sounding like a textbook.

No tengo mucha guita este mes, así que no puedo salir a cenar.

If you are using pavos to mean "silly people," you could instead use tontos, bobos, or necios. Tontos is the most direct equivalent, while bobos is slightly softer and often used with children. Necios implies a level of stubbornness along with the foolishness. In Spain, panolis is another colorful alternative for someone who is easily fooled. For the biological category, if you want to be more scientific, you can use aves de corral (poultry) or gallináceas (gallinaceous birds), though these are reserved for academic or professional agricultural contexts.

Formal vs. Informal: Aves: Formal, general term for birds.
Pavos: Neutral/Informal, specific to turkeys or slang for money.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The English word 'turkey' comes from a confusion that the bird came from Turkey (the country), while the Spanish word 'pavo' comes from a confusion that it was a peacock!

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈpa.βos/

US /ˈpɑ.voʊs/

The stress is on the first syllable: PA-vos.

Rime avec

bravos clavos esclavos lavos nabos cabos rabos centavos

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'v' like an English 'v' (with teeth on lips). In Spanish, it should be bilabial.
Aspirating the 'p' like in 'pot'. It should be a 'dry' p.
Making the 'a' sound like the 'a' in 'apple'.
Stressing the second syllable (pa-VOS).
Pronouncing the 's' as a 'z' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in text, usually clear from context.

Écriture 2/5

Simple pluralization, just remember the 'v'.

Expression orale 3/5

Requires correct 'v' pronunciation and knowing when to use slang.

Écoute 3/5

Can be confused with 'pavor' or 'pasos' if spoken quickly.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

pavo animal dinero comer grande

Apprends ensuite

guajolote pavo real billetes monedas aves

Avancé

pavonearse gallinácea meleagris avicultura

Grammaire à connaître

Pluralization of nouns ending in vowels

pavo -> pavos

Adjective agreement in gender and number

pavos asados

Use of 'los' for general categories

Los pavos son aves.

Personal 'a' with animals when personified

Quiero a mis pavos.

Fixed idiomatic expressions

La edad del pavo (never 'las edades de los pavos')

Exemples par niveau

Hay tres pavos en el campo.

There are three turkeys in the field.

Plural noun 'pavos' follows the number 'tres'.

Los pavos son aves muy grandes.

Turkeys are very large birds.

Article 'los' and adjective 'grandes' agree with 'pavos'.

Me gusta comer pavos en Navidad.

I like to eat turkeys at Christmas.

Verb 'comer' followed by the direct object 'pavos'.

Los pavos de la granja tienen hambre.

The farm turkeys are hungry.

Prepositional phrase 'de la granja' describes the turkeys.

Vemos muchos pavos en el parque.

We see many turkeys in the park.

Quantifier 'muchos' agrees with 'pavos'.

El granjero cuida a sus pavos.

The farmer takes care of his turkeys.

Personal 'a' is used because the animals are treated as specific entities.

Los pavos no pueden volar muy alto.

Turkeys cannot fly very high.

Negative 'no' before the verb 'pueden'.

Esos pavos son de color marrón.

Those turkeys are brown.

Demonstrative 'esos' agrees with 'pavos'.

Fuimos al mercado a comprar dos pavos frescos.

We went to the market to buy two fresh turkeys.

Adjective 'frescos' agrees with 'pavos'.

Los pavos salvajes corren por el bosque.

Wild turkeys run through the forest.

Adjective 'salvajes' is used for wild animals.

Mi tía cocina los mejores pavos rellenos.

My aunt cooks the best stuffed turkeys.

Superlative 'los mejores' modifying 'pavos'.

En esta granja crían pavos y gallinas.

On this farm, they raise turkeys and chickens.

Plural objects 'pavos' and 'gallinas'.

¿Cuántos pavos hay en el corral?

How many turkeys are in the pen?

Interrogative 'cuántos' matches the masculine plural noun.

Los pavos hacen mucho ruido por la mañana.

The turkeys make a lot of noise in the morning.

Subject-verb agreement: 'los pavos' (they) 'hacen'.

No me gustan los pavos porque son agresivos.

I don't like turkeys because they are aggressive.

Adjective 'agresivos' agrees with 'pavos'.

Los pavos tienen plumas muy bonitas.

Turkeys have very beautiful feathers.

Verb 'tienen' indicates possession.

Esta cena me ha costado cincuenta pavos.

This dinner cost me fifty bucks (euros).

Slang usage of 'pavos' for euros in Spain.

Mis primos están en plena edad del pavo.

My cousins are right in the middle of the awkward teenage years.

Idiomatic expression 'la edad del pavo'.

Si me das veinte pavos, te limpio el coche.

If you give me twenty bucks, I'll clean your car.

Conditional sentence with slang currency.

No seas tan pavo y dile la verdad.

Don't be so silly and tell her the truth.

Colloquial use of 'pavo' as an adjective for 'silly'.

He perdido diez pavos en la calle.

I lost ten euros in the street.

Common informal way to talk about losing money.

Los pavos reales del parque son espectaculares.

The peacocks in the park are spectacular.

Note the use of 'reales' to specify peacocks.

Ese móvil es barato, solo vale cien pavos.

That phone is cheap, it's only worth a hundred bucks.

Informal pricing description.

Ayer vi unos pavos salvajes cruzando la carretera.

Yesterday I saw some wild turkeys crossing the road.

Indefinite article 'unos' for non-specific plural.

El precio de los pavos ha subido mucho este año.

The price of turkeys has gone up a lot this year.

Abstract noun 'el precio' followed by 'de los pavos'.

Se le subió el pavo cuando le preguntaron por su novio.

She blushed when they asked her about her boyfriend.

Idiom 'subirse el pavo' meaning to blush.

Me juego veinte pavos a que no te atreves.

I bet twenty bucks that you don't dare.

Informal betting context.

La cría de pavos requiere mucha atención y espacio.

Raising turkeys requires a lot of attention and space.

Noun 'la cría' (the raising/breeding).

No entiendo por qué se ponen tan pavos cuando ella llega.

I don't understand why they act so silly when she arrives.

Reflexive verb 'ponerse' + adjective 'pavos'.

Los pavos son originarios de América, no de Europa.

Turkeys are native to America, not Europe.

Adjective 'originarios' indicating origin.

Gasté todos mis pavos en videojuegos.

I spent all my bucks on video games.

Informal use of 'pavos' for total expenditure.

Esos pavos están siempre peleando por la comida.

Those turkeys are always fighting over food.

Present continuous 'están peleando'.

La exportación de pavos constituye un pilar de la economía local.

The export of turkeys constitutes a pillar of the local economy.

Formal academic/economic register.

El autor utiliza a los pavos como metáfora de la vanidad humana.

The author uses turkeys as a metaphor for human vanity.

Literary analysis context.

A pesar de sus cien pavos de presupuesto, logró una obra maestra.

Despite his hundred-buck budget, he achieved a masterpiece.

Contrastive conjunction 'a pesar de'.

La domesticación de los pavos por los aztecas fue un proceso largo.

The domestication of turkeys by the Aztecs was a long process.

Historical/Scientific context.

No podemos permitir que estos pavos arruinen el proyecto.

We cannot allow these fools to ruin the project.

Metaphorical use in a professional (yet frustrated) context.

El plumaje de los pavos varía según la subespecie.

The plumage of turkeys varies according to the subspecies.

Technical biological terminology.

Le soltó veinte pavos al portero para que le dejara entrar.

He slipped twenty bucks to the bouncer so he'd let him in.

Informal narrative style.

La industria de los pavos se enfrenta a nuevos retos sanitarios.

The turkey industry faces new sanitary challenges.

Formal industry-specific language.

La semántica de 'pavos' ha evolucionado drásticamente desde el siglo XVI.

The semantics of 'pavos' has evolved drastically since the 16th century.

Linguistic historical analysis.

Resulta fascinante cómo el término 'pavos' permeó el argot juvenil español.

It is fascinating how the term 'pavos' permeated Spanish youth slang.

Sociolinguistic observation.

Los pavos, en su estado silvestre, exhiben comportamientos sociales complejos.

Turkeys, in their wild state, exhibit complex social behaviors.

Advanced ethological description.

Su discurso fue una sarta de tonterías, propios de unos pavos.

His speech was a string of nonsense, typical of some fools.

Highly critical and sophisticated insult.

La rentabilidad de los pavos de corral depende de la fluctuación del pienso.

The profitability of free-range turkeys depends on feed fluctuations.

Economic/Agricultural expertise.

No es más que un pavo real sin plumas, pura apariencia.

He is nothing more than a featherless peacock, pure appearance.

Deeply metaphorical and idiomatic.

La iconografía de los pavos en el arte precolombino es muy rica.

The iconography of turkeys in pre-Columbian art is very rich.

Art history terminology.

Me costó cuatro pavos y medio, una ganga absoluta.

It cost me four and a half bucks, an absolute bargain.

Natural use of fractions in slang currency.

Collocations courantes

pavos rellenos

pavos salvajes

diez pavos

criar pavos

pavos reales

asado de pavos

mil pavos

pavos de granja

comer pavos

vender pavos

Phrases Courantes

la edad del pavo

subírsele el pavo

estar como un pavo

pavo de Navidad

soltar los pavos

pavo frío

pavos y pavas

un par de pavos

pavos al horno

no valer un pavo

Souvent confondu avec

pavos vs pavor

Pavor means dread/terror. Pavos means turkeys/euros.

pavos vs pasos

Pasos means steps. They sound similar in fast speech.

pavos vs pavón

Pavón can mean a large turkey or a type of peacock, but it's less common.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Estar en la edad del pavo"

To be at the age of puberty when one acts silly or moody.

No le hagas caso, está en la edad del pavo.

informal

"Subírsele a alguien el pavo"

To blush intensely due to embarrassment.

En cuanto lo miró, se le subió el pavo.

informal

"Pavo real"

Literally peacock, but used to describe a vain person.

Se pasea por la oficina como un pavo real.

metaphorical

"Pelar el pavo"

To spend time chatting or flirting (old-fashioned).

Se pasaron la tarde pelando el pavo en el balcón.

archaic/informal

"Quedarse para vestir pavos"

To remain unmarried (old-fashioned, often used for women).

Decían que se quedaría para vestir pavos, pero se casó a los 40.

archaic

"Ser un pavo"

To be a silly or gullible person.

¡Qué pavo eres! Te crees todo lo que te dicen.

informal

"Soltar el pavo"

To pay money, usually reluctantly.

Venga, suelta el pavo que te toca pagar a ti.

slang

"Tener el pavo"

To have a fit of silly giggles.

Las niñas tienen el pavo y no pueden dejar de reír.

informal

"Pavo de Nochebuena"

Something that is only used or relevant once a year.

Ese traje es como el pavo de Nochebuena, solo sale del armario en diciembre.

metaphorical

"Más feo que un pavo"

Very ugly (turkeys aren't known for facial beauty).

Ese coche es más feo que un pavo.

informal

Facile à confondre

pavos vs pavo real

Both contain 'pavo'.

Pavo is a turkey; pavo real is a peacock. They are completely different birds.

El pavo real tiene plumas azules; el pavo es para comer.

pavos vs guajolote

They mean the same animal.

Guajolote is Mexican Spanish; pavo is standard Spanish used everywhere.

En México decimos guajolote, en España pavo.

pavos vs pava

Gender difference.

Pavo is male; pava is female. 'Pava' can also mean a kettle in some countries.

La pava pone huevos; el pavo es más grande.

pavos vs pavor

Spelling.

Pavor is a noun meaning extreme fear; pavos is plural of turkey/euro.

Tengo pavor a las arañas, no pavos.

pavos vs pavada

Related root.

Pavada means a flock of turkeys, but more commonly means 'nonsense' or 'a silly thing' in the Southern Cone.

No digas pavadas (Don't say silly things).

Structures de phrases

Hay [número] pavos.

Hay cinco pavos.

Me gusta el/los [sustantivo].

Me gustan los pavos.

Cuesta [número] pavos.

Cuesta diez pavos.

Estar en [frase hecha].

Está en la edad del pavo.

Se le subió el [sustantivo].

Se le subió el pavo.

La industria de los [sustantivo]...

La industria de los pavos es grande.

No seas [adjetivo].

No seas tan pavo.

Metáfora de los [sustantivo].

Es una metáfora de los pavos.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in Spain (slang) and during holidays (culinary).

Erreurs courantes

Using 'pavos' for dollars. → Use 'dólares' or 'verdes'.
'Pavos' is specifically slang for Euros in Spain. It doesn't translate to other currencies naturally.
Saying 'pavos' when you mean 'pavor'. → Tengo pavor (I am terrified).
'Pavor' is a noun for fear. 'Pavos' are birds or money. They are not interchangeable.
Referring to a peacock as just 'pavo'. → Pavo real.
Without 'real', people will assume you are talking about the farm animal (turkey).
Pluralizing the idiom: 'las edades de los pavos'. → La edad del pavo.
The idiom is a fixed singular phrase, even if you are talking about multiple teenagers.
Using 'pavos' in a formal business email. → Euros.
Slang is never appropriate in professional written correspondence.

Astuces

Using Pavos for Money

Only use this in Spain with friends. If you use it with a boss or a stranger in a formal shop, it might sound too casual or slightly rude.

Pavo vs Pavo Real

Always add 'real' if you mean peacock. This is a very common mistake for English speakers because the words are so similar.

Mexican Context

If you are in Mexico, try using 'guajolote'. It shows a deeper knowledge of the local culture and history.

Plural Agreement

Remember that 'pavos' is masculine. Any adjectives must end in '-os', like 'pavos gordos' or 'pavos caros'.

Holiday Tradition

In Spain, 'pavo' is the traditional meal for 'Nochebuena' (December 24th). Mentioning this is a great conversation starter.

Teenage Years

Use 'la edad del pavo' to describe teenagers. It's a very natural-sounding phrase that native speakers use all the time.

The Soft V

Don't bite your lip for the 'v'. Keep your lips slightly apart and let the air flow through. It sounds more like a 'b'.

Formal Writing

In formal texts, refer to turkeys as 'aves de corral' if you want to sound more professional or academic.

Don't be a Pavo

If someone tells you 'no seas pavo', they are telling you to stop being silly or to pay attention. Don't take it too seriously!

Context is King

If you hear 'pavos' in a song, it almost always means money. If you hear it in a cooking show, it's the bird.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a turkey holding a 'pavo' (euro) in its beak. Pavos = Poultry + Pesos (money).

Association visuelle

Visualize a giant turkey sitting on a pile of euro coins. Each coin is a 'pavo'.

Word Web

Animal Navidad Euros Plumas Granja Comida Adolescencia Slang

Défi

Try to use 'pavos' in three different ways today: once for the bird, once for money, and once for a silly person.

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'pavo', which originally referred to the peacock. When Spanish explorers saw the American turkey, they named it after the peacock because of its similar display.

Sens originel : Peacock

Indo-European (Latin)

Contexte culturel

Calling someone 'pavo' is generally lighthearted but can be offensive if used to imply someone is genuinely unintelligent.

English speakers often associate turkeys with Thanksgiving, whereas Spanish speakers associate them more with Christmas Eve (Nochebuena).

The movie 'Pavo y Leche' (informal titles). Songs by Spanish rap artists like C. Tangana often use 'pavos' for money. Traditional Mexican recipes for 'Mole de Guajolote'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Shopping in Spain

¿Cuántos pavos cuesta?
Son veinte pavos.
No tengo pavos sueltos.
Es un poco caro, ¿no? Muchos pavos.

At a Farm

Hay que alimentar a los pavos.
Los pavos son ruidosos.
¿Cuántos pavos tienes?
Cuidado con los pavos.

Christmas Dinner

El pavo está en el horno.
¿Te gustan los pavos rellenos?
Mañana comeremos sobras de pavo.
El pavo es la tradición.

Talking about Teenagers

Está en la edad del pavo.
¡Qué pavos son a esa edad!
Ya se le pasará el pavo.
Es la típica tontería del pavo.

Zoo/Nature Park

Mira los pavos reales.
¿Son pavos salvajes?
No toques a los pavos.
Los pavos tienen plumas largas.

Amorces de conversation

"¿Qué sueles cenar en Navidad, pavos o cordero?"

"¿Sabías que en España dicen 'pavos' para referirse a los euros?"

"¿Alguna vez has visto pavos salvajes en la naturaleza?"

"¿Crees que los adolescentes de hoy tienen una 'edad del pavo' más difícil?"

"¿Cuánto es lo máximo que has pagado en pavos por una cena?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe una vez que viste pavos en una granja o en el campo.

Escribe sobre tu comida favorita que incluya pavos.

Imagina que tienes un millón de pavos. ¿En qué los gastarías?

¿Cómo fue tu 'edad del pavo'? ¿Eras un adolescente rebelde o tranquilo?

Compara el uso de 'pavos' en España con el slang de tu propio país.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, it only means money in informal, colloquial contexts. In a formal setting or when talking about animals, it retains its literal meaning of 'turkeys'. You have to look at the context: if someone is talking about a price, it's money.

Spanish speakers in the US might use it, but it's much more common to hear 'bucks' translated as 'verdes' or simply 'dólares'. 'Pavos' is very specific to the Euro in Spain.

It's not exactly an insult, but rather a descriptive idiom for the difficult and silly stage of early adolescence. It's used by parents and teachers to explain teenage behavior.

There is no biological difference; they refer to the same bird. 'Guajolote' is the term used in Mexico (from Nahuatl), while 'pavo' is used in Spain and the rest of Latin America.

You say 'pavo real'. If you just say 'pavo', people will think you are talking about a turkey.

Yes, Spanish speakers call Thanksgiving 'Día de Acción de Gracias' and the main dish is always 'el pavo'.

The feminine form is 'pavas'. If you have a group of only female turkeys, you call them 'pavas'. If the group is mixed, you use the masculine 'pavos'.

In some places, calling someone 'pavo' means they are acting silly or are a bit slow to understand things. It's similar to calling someone a 'goose' in English.

It's likely because turkeys are seen as clumsy, loud, and erratic, which people compare to the behavior of teenagers going through puberty.

Absolutely not. It is very informal slang. In a business meeting, you should always use the word 'euros'.