At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'pastar' is what animals like cows and sheep do when they eat grass in a field. Think of it as 'eating grass.' It is a regular verb ending in -ar, so it follows the same pattern as 'hablar' or 'cantar.' You might see it in simple picture books or basic descriptions of a farm. For example: 'La vaca pasta' (The cow grazes). At this stage, don't worry about complex uses; just associate the word with a peaceful farm scene. You can remember it because it looks like 'pasture' in English, which is where animals go to eat. Even though you are just starting, knowing this word helps you describe the world around you more specifically than just using the word 'comer' (to eat). It's a great 'bonus' word for your first few months of Spanish study.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'pastar' in slightly more detailed sentences. You should be able to say where and when the animals are grazing. For example: 'Las ovejas pastan en la montaña durante el verano' (The sheep graze in the mountains during the summer). You will also start using the gerund form 'pastando' (grazing) to describe ongoing actions: 'Hay muchos caballos pastando allí.' You should recognize the word in the context of travel or descriptions of nature. It's also helpful to know the related word 'pasto' (grass/pasture), which is very common in Latin America. At this level, you are moving beyond just 'cow eats grass' and starting to describe scenes and routines in the countryside. You might also encounter it in simple past tenses like 'ayer las vacas pastaron todo el día.'
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'pastar' in a variety of tenses and contexts. You can use it to discuss rural life, environmental issues, or traditional practices. You might say things like 'Si no llueve, los animales no tendrán donde pastar' (If it doesn't rain, the animals won't have anywhere to graze). You are also expected to understand the difference between 'pastar' and other verbs like 'alimentarse.' At this level, you can use the word transitively to describe a shepherd's job: 'El pastor lleva a sus cabras a pastar.' You should also be familiar with the noun 'pastoreo' (grazing/shepherding). This word is very useful for B1 students when talking about vacations in rural areas or discussing the importance of agriculture in Spanish-speaking countries. It shows a good command of specific vocabulary beyond basic needs.
At the B2 level, you should understand the nuances of 'pastar' compared to its synonyms like 'pacer' or 'ramonear.' You can use the word in more abstract or technical discussions, such as 'el impacto del sobrepastoreo en el ecosistema' (the impact of overgrazing on the ecosystem). You should be able to handle complex grammatical structures, such as using the subjunctive: 'Es importante que el ganado paste de forma rotativa.' At B2, you are expected to understand the word in news reports, documentaries, and more formal literature. You might also start to recognize metaphorical uses, though they are rare. Your ability to use 'pastar' correctly in a discussion about sustainable farming or regional economies demonstrates a high degree of linguistic maturity and cultural awareness of the importance of the land in Hispanic cultures.
At the C1 level, 'pastar' becomes a tool for precise and evocative description. You can use it to create vivid imagery in writing or to discuss the historical and cultural significance of pastoralism in Spain and Latin America. You should be familiar with the word in classical literature (like the 'Eglogas' of Garcilaso) and understand how it contributes to the 'pastoral' genre. You can discuss the etymological roots and how it relates to words like 'pábulo' or 'pastor.' At this level, you should also be able to use the word in highly formal or academic contexts, such as an essay on the economic history of the Mesta in Spain. You understand the subtle differences in register and can choose between 'pastar,' 'pacer,' and 'herbajar' depending on the tone of your discourse. Your use of the word is natural, precise, and culturally informed.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 'pastar' is complete. You can use it with all its historical, literary, and metaphorical baggage. You might use it in a philosophical discussion about the relationship between humans and nature, or in a highly technical analysis of agrarian law. You are aware of regional variations and archaic forms. You can effortlessly switch between literal descriptions of livestock and sophisticated literary metaphors. For a C2 speaker, 'pastar' is not just a verb; it's a gateway to understanding the deep-seated rural traditions of the Spanish-speaking world. You can interpret the word in complex poetry where it might symbolize the 'grazing' of eyes over a landscape or the quiet consumption of time. Your command of the word allows you to blend scientific precision with poetic elegance, showing a profound connection to the Spanish language.

pastar 30초 만에

  • Pastar is the Spanish verb meaning 'to graze,' used primarily for livestock like cows and sheep eating grass in fields.
  • It is a regular -ar verb, making it easy to conjugate in all tenses for Spanish learners.
  • The word is deeply rooted in rural and agricultural contexts, common in Spain and Latin America.
  • It can be used intransitively (animals eating) or transitively (a shepherd leading animals to eat).

The Spanish verb pastar is a fundamental term in the vocabulary of nature, agriculture, and rural life. At its core, it refers to the action of livestock—such as cows, sheep, goats, or horses—eating grass directly from the ground in a field or pasture. While English speakers might simply say 'to graze,' the Spanish word pastar carries a rich pastoral heritage that connects the animal, the land, and the shepherd. It is derived from the Latin pastus, which means 'food' or 'feeding,' and is the root for other common words like pasto (grass/pasture) and pastor (shepherd). Understanding this word is essential for anyone wanting to describe the Spanish countryside, discuss sustainable farming, or read classical Spanish literature where the pastoral theme is a recurring motif.

Literal Meaning
The primary use of pastar is to describe the biological act of herbivores consuming vegetation in a natural setting. It implies a sense of freedom and movement, as opposed to being fed in a stable.
Transitive vs. Intransitive
Interestingly, pastar can be used both intransitively (the cows are grazing) and transitively (the shepherd grazes the cows), though the former is much more common in everyday speech.

Vimos un grupo de caballos pastando tranquilamente cerca del río al atardecer.

In a broader sense, pastar evokes an image of tranquility and the natural cycle of life. In many Spanish-speaking regions, particularly in Spain, Argentina, and Uruguay, the sight of animals grazing is a staple of the landscape. In the Argentine Pampas, for instance, the word is used frequently in the context of cattle ranching, which is a pillar of the national identity. When you use pastar, you aren't just talking about eating; you are painting a picture of a specific environment. It is a word that belongs to the mountains of Asturias, the plains of Castile, and the valleys of the Andes.

El ganado necesita grandes extensiones de terreno para pastar de forma sostenible.

Agricultural Context
In modern farming discussions, pastar is often linked to organic and grass-fed production methods, which are highly valued in contemporary markets.

Culturally, the concept of pastar is tied to the 'transhumancia'—the seasonal movement of livestock. This tradition, still alive in parts of Spain, involves moving sheep and cows over long distances to find better areas for them to graze. Thus, the verb carries with it the weight of history and the migration patterns of rural communities. When a student uses pastar, they demonstrate an awareness of these traditional practices. It is not a word you will use in a skyscraper in Madrid, but it is one you will hear constantly the moment you step into the 'España vaciada' (the empty Spain) or the rural heartlands of Latin America.

Antiguamente, los pastores llevaban a sus ovejas a pastar a las montañas durante el verano.

Using pastar correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior and the subjects it typically takes. As a regular -ar verb, its conjugation is straightforward, making it accessible for B1 learners. However, the nuance lies in the prepositions and the types of animals described. You will almost always see it paired with animals like vacas (cows), ovejas (sheep), cabras (goats), or ciervos (deer). It is rarely used for humans unless in a highly metaphorical or derogatory sense, implying someone is eating like an animal or aimlessly wandering.

Common Subject-Verb Agreement
The most common structure is [Animal] + [Pastar] + [Location]. For example: 'Las ovejas pastan en la colina' (The sheep graze on the hill).
Gerund Usage
Because grazing is a continuous action, the gerund form pastando is very frequent. 'Había muchas vacas pastando' (There were many cows grazing).

Si dejas a los caballos pastar libremente, estarán mucho más sanos.

When using pastar transitively, the structure changes to [Shepherd/Person] + [Pastar] + [Animal]. This usage is less common but important in agricultural texts. It means 'to lead the animals to graze'. For instance, 'El pastor pasta su rebaño cada mañana' (The shepherd grazes his flock every morning). Note that in many regions, people might prefer to say 'llevar a pastar' instead of using pastar as a transitive verb. This 'llevar a' construction is very natural and recommended for learners who want to sound more authentic.

Es impresionante ver a los ciervos pastar en el claro del bosque al amanecer.

Temporal Contexts
You can use pastar to describe daily routines or seasonal habits. 'El ganado suele pastar durante las horas frescas del día'.

In more complex sentences, pastar can be used to discuss environmental issues. For example, 'El sobrepastoreo ocurre cuando demasiados animales pastan en la misma zona' (Overgrazing occurs when too many animals graze in the same area). This shows how the word moves from a simple observation of nature to a technical term in ecology and land management. Whether you are describing a peaceful vacation in the Pyrenees or writing a report on sustainable agriculture, pastar provides the precision you need to describe this specific biological and economic activity.

No podemos permitir que las cabras pasten en esta zona protegida del parque nacional.

While pastar might seem like a niche agricultural term, it is surprisingly common in various real-world contexts across the Spanish-speaking world. You will encounter it in news reports about the rural economy, in nature documentaries, and in casual conversations when traveling through the countryside. In Spain, if you are driving through regions like Galicia, Cantabria, or Extremadura, you might hear locals discussing where the 'vacas' or 'ovejas' are grazing today. In South America, particularly in the Southern Cone (Argentina, Uruguay, Chile), the word is deeply embedded in the 'gaucho' culture and the massive cattle industry.

Nature Documentaries
Narrators often use pastar to describe the behavior of wild fauna. 'Los ñus pastan en las llanuras del Serengeti'.
Rural Tourism
Brochures for 'turismo rural' often use the word to evoke a sense of peace. 'Despierta con el sonido de las vacas pastando en el valle'.

En las noticias dijeron que la sequía ha dejado poco terreno para que el ganado pueda pastar.

Another place you will frequently hear pastar is in the context of environmental activism and sustainability. With the rise of 'regenerative agriculture,' the way animals graze is a hot topic. Phrases like 'pastoreo rotativo' (rotational grazing) are common in podcasts and articles about climate change. Furthermore, in literature and poetry, pastar is used to create a pastoral 'locus amoenus'—an idealized place of safety and comfort. Famous poets like Garcilaso de la Vega or Federico García Lorca have used grazing imagery to symbolize innocence or the quiet passage of time.

El documental mostraba cómo los bisontes volvían a pastar en las praderas protegidas.

Children's Stories
Fables and children's books almost always feature animals 'pastando' in a meadow. It is one of the first verbs kids learn related to animals.

In contemporary urban life, you might hear it used jokingly. For example, if a group of people is standing around doing nothing in a park, someone might say '¿Qué hacéis aquí, pastando?' (What are you doing here, grazing?). This is a playful, slightly mocking way to suggest they are being as idle as cows in a field. Overall, pastar is a word that bridges the gap between the ancient agricultural world and modern ecological and social discourse. It is ubiquitous enough that a B1 learner should recognize it instantly when hearing about anything related to nature or the countryside.

Me encanta observar a las ovejas pastar; me transmite mucha paz.

Even though pastar is a regular verb, English speakers often stumble when using it due to direct translation errors or confusion with similar-sounding words. One of the most frequent mistakes is using pastar to refer to humans eating salad or vegetables. While it might seem like a funny joke, in Spanish, it can sound quite insulting or simply nonsensical unless the context of the joke is very clear. Humans comen; they do not pastan. Another common error is confusing pastar with pasta (the food). Remember: 'comiendo pasta' is eating noodles; 'pastando' is eating grass in a field.

Confusing 'Pastar' with 'Pisar'
Learners sometimes mix up these two. Pisar means 'to step on'. Saying 'La vaca está pisando' means the cow is stepping on something, not eating.
Incorrect Preposition
Avoid saying 'pastar de la hierba'. The correct way is usually 'pastar en el campo' or simply 'pastar hierba' (though 'en' is more common).

Incorrecto: Los turistas pastan en el buffet. (Unless you're being very mean!)

A more subtle mistake involves the difference between pastar and alimentarse. While all animals that graze are 'alimentándose' (feeding themselves), not all animals that feed are 'pastando'. A lion eating a zebra is not pastando. This verb is strictly reserved for herbivores eating vegetation from the ground. Furthermore, some learners try to use pastar for pets like dogs or cats when they occasionally eat grass for digestion. While technically possible, it sounds odd to native ears. For pets, we usually just say 'está comiendo hierba'. Save pastar for livestock and wild herbivores.

Correcto: Las vacas pastan en el prado verde.

Reflexive Misuse
Do not use pastarse. It is not a reflexive verb. Animals just 'pastan', they don't 'pastan a sí mismos'.

Finally, be careful with the word pastoral. While related in English, in Spanish, pastoral usually refers to the work of a priest or church (the 'pastor' of a congregation). If you want to describe something related to grazing or shepherds in a non-religious way, you should use the adjective pastoril. For example, 'una vida pastoril' (a shepherd's life) vs. 'la labor pastoral' (the church's work). Keeping these distinctions clear will help you avoid confusion and sound much more like a native speaker who understands the nuances of the language.

Es un error decir que las ovejas pastan carne; ellas son herbívoras.

In Spanish, as in English, there are several ways to describe the act of feeding, but each has its own specific flavor. Pastar is the standard, neutral term. However, depending on the formality of the situation or the specific animal involved, you might choose a different word. Understanding these alternatives will help you reach a B2 or C1 level of proficiency, where nuance becomes more important than just basic communication.

Pacer
Pacer is the most direct synonym for pastar. It is slightly more literary and focuses on the physical act of the animal's teeth cutting the grass. Example: 'El ganado pace en el monte'.
Alimentarse
This is a much broader term meaning 'to feed' or 'to nourish oneself'. You use this for all living things. 'Las vacas se alimentan de pasto'.
Herbar / Herbajar
These are very technical or archaic terms used in specific agricultural contexts to mean 'to graze' or 'to put animals to pasture'. You likely won't hear them in the city.

Mientras que pastar es común, 'pacer' se encuentra más en la poesía clásica.

When comparing pastar to comer, the difference is one of specificity. Comer is the general verb for eating. If you say 'La vaca come', it's correct, but 'La vaca pasta' is much more descriptive and accurate for the setting. Another interesting comparison is with ramonear. This verb specifically refers to animals (like goats or giraffes) eating the tips of branches, leaves, or shrubs rather than grass on the ground. If you see a goat standing on its hind legs to reach a tree branch, it's not pastando, it's ramoneando. This level of detail is what makes Spanish such a rich language for describing the natural world.

Las cabras prefieren ramonear los arbustos que simplemente pastar hierba.

Forrajear
Used for the act of searching for food (forage). It's often used for wild animals or in military contexts (historically, searching for food for horses).

In summary, while pastar is your 'go-to' word for grazing, being aware of pacer, ramonear, and forrajear allows you to be much more precise. For a B1 student, mastering pastar is the priority, but recognizing the others in reading will significantly boost your comprehension. Whether it's the peaceful pastar of a lamb or the active ramonear of a wild goat, each word brings a different part of the Spanish landscape to life.

El ciervo dejó de pastar y levantó las orejas al oír un ruido.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The word 'pastor' (shepherd) comes from the same root, as does the word 'pabulum' (food for thought) and even 'pantry' (via bread/panis).

발음 가이드

UK /pæsˈtɑːr/
US /pɑːsˈtɑːr/
The stress is on the last syllable: pas-TAR.
라임이 맞는 단어
cantar hablar mirar llegar saltar amar bajar andar
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing it like 'pasta' (the food).
  • Aspirating the 'p' (adding a puff of air).
  • Using an English 'r' instead of a Spanish tapped 'r'.
  • Stressing the first syllable.
  • Adding an 'e' sound at the end (pastare).

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize due to English 'pasture'.

쓰기 3/5

Simple conjugation, but requires knowledge of specific context.

말하기 3/5

Useful for describing scenery or rural life.

듣기 2/5

Clear pronunciation in most dialects.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

comer vaca campo hierba animal

다음에 배울 것

pastorear rebaño trashumancia prado ganadería

고급

ramonear forrajear pacer dehesa latifundio

알아야 할 문법

Regular -ar verb conjugation

Yo pasto, tú pastas, él pasta, nosotros pastamos, vosotros pastáis, ellos pastan.

Verbs of perception + infinitive/gerund

Veo a las vacas pastar / Veo a las vacas pastando.

Preposition 'a' with movement to an action

Llevar a las ovejas a pastar.

Subjunctive for recommendations

Es mejor que el ganado paste aquí.

Impersonal 'se' for general rules

Se permite pastar en esta zona.

수준별 예문

1

La vaca pasta en el campo.

The cow grazes in the field.

Simple present tense, 3rd person singular.

2

Las ovejas pastan juntas.

The sheep graze together.

Plural subject with plural verb form.

3

El caballo quiere pastar.

The horse wants to graze.

Infinitive form after the verb 'querer'.

4

Hay mucha hierba para pastar.

There is a lot of grass to graze on.

Infinitive used as a purpose.

5

Me gusta ver a las vacas pastar.

I like to see the cows grazing.

Infinitive after a verb of perception (ver).

6

El campo es bueno para pastar.

The field is good for grazing.

Preposition 'para' + infinitive.

7

Las cabras pastan en la montaña.

The goats graze in the mountains.

Regular -ar verb conjugation.

8

¿Dónde pastan los animales?

Where do the animals graze?

Interrogative sentence structure.

1

Ayer vimos a los caballos pastando.

Yesterday we saw the horses grazing.

Gerund 'pastando' describing an action in progress.

2

El ganado solía pastar aquí.

The cattle used to graze here.

Imperfect tense expressing a past habit.

3

Mañana las ovejas pastarán en el otro prado.

Tomorrow the sheep will graze in the other meadow.

Future tense of 'pastar'.

4

Es normal que las vacas pasten de día.

It is normal for cows to graze during the day.

Present subjunctive after 'es normal que'.

5

El pastor lleva a las cabras a pastar.

The shepherd takes the goats to graze.

Construction 'llevar a + infinitive'.

6

No hay suficiente agua para que el ganado pueda pastar.

There isn't enough water for the cattle to be able to graze.

Subjunctive after 'para que'.

7

Vimos muchos ciervos pastando en el bosque.

We saw many deer grazing in the forest.

Gerund usage with perception verbs.

8

Los animales han pastado todo el día.

The animals have grazed all day.

Present perfect tense.

1

Si el terreno está seco, las ovejas no pueden pastar bien.

If the ground is dry, the sheep cannot graze well.

Conditional sentence type 1.

2

El dueño de la finca permite que los caballos pasten libremente.

The owner of the farm allows the horses to graze freely.

Subjunctive after verbs of permission.

3

Es una zona protegida donde está prohibido pastar.

It is a protected area where grazing is prohibited.

Relative clause with 'donde'.

4

Los animales estaban pastando cuando empezó a llover.

The animals were grazing when it started to rain.

Past continuous interrupted by an action in the preterite.

5

Me gustaría vivir en un lugar donde pudiera ver vacas pastar.

I would like to live in a place where I could see cows grazing.

Conditional and imperfect subjunctive.

6

El pastor se aseguró de que el rebaño tuviera donde pastar.

The shepherd made sure the flock had somewhere to graze.

Subjunctive after 'asegurarse de que'.

7

Aunque haga frío, las vacas salen a pastar.

Even if it's cold, the cows go out to graze.

Concessive clause with 'aunque' and subjunctive.

8

La calidad de la leche depende de lo que las vacas pasten.

The quality of the milk depends on what the cows graze on.

Subjunctive in a relative clause with 'lo que'.

1

El sobrepastoreo ocurre cuando se deja pastar a demasiados animales.

Overgrazing occurs when too many animals are allowed to graze.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

2

Dudo que el ganado pueda pastar en estas condiciones climáticas.

I doubt the cattle can graze in these weather conditions.

Subjunctive after 'dudar que'.

3

Si hubiéramos tenido más tierra, habríamos dejado pastar a más ovejas.

If we had had more land, we would have let more sheep graze.

Third conditional sentence.

4

La normativa europea regula las zonas donde se puede pastar.

European regulations regulate the areas where one can graze.

Formal vocabulary (normativa, regula).

5

Es fundamental que el pasto se recupere antes de volver a pastar.

It is essential that the pasture recovers before grazing again.

Subjunctive after 'es fundamental que'.

6

Los rebaños trashumantes recorren kilómetros para pastar en valles frescos.

Transhumant flocks travel kilometers to graze in cool valleys.

Specific agricultural term 'trashumantes'.

7

No importa cuánto pasten, estas vacas siempre parecen tener hambre.

No matter how much they graze, these cows always seem hungry.

Concessive structure 'no importa cuánto' + subjunctive.

8

La biodiversidad aumenta cuando los animales pastan de manera controlada.

Biodiversity increases when animals graze in a controlled manner.

Complex sentence with causal link.

1

La dehesa es un ecosistema único donde el ganado pasta entre encinas.

The dehesa is a unique ecosystem where livestock grazes among holm oaks.

Specific cultural term 'dehesa'.

2

Resulta fascinante observar cómo las especies silvestres y domésticas pastan en armonía.

It is fascinating to observe how wild and domestic species graze in harmony.

Formal 'resulta' + adjective construction.

3

Se ha instado a los ganaderos a que no dejen pastar a sus animales en riberas vulnerables.

Ranchers have been urged not to let their animals graze on vulnerable riverbanks.

Passive voice 'se ha instado' + subjunctive.

4

El autor utiliza la imagen de las ovejas pastando para simbolizar la paz bucólica.

The author uses the image of grazing sheep to symbolize bucolic peace.

Literary analysis vocabulary.

5

A pesar de la escasez de forraje, el ganado logró pastar lo suficiente para sobrevivir.

Despite the shortage of fodder, the livestock managed to graze enough to survive.

Prepositional phrase 'a pesar de' + noun.

6

La gestión del territorio exige delimitar con precisión dónde se permite pastar.

Land management requires precisely delimiting where grazing is permitted.

Formal infinitive subject 'delimitar'.

7

Cualquier animal que paste en estas tierras debe estar debidamente vacunado.

Any animal that grazes on these lands must be properly vaccinated.

Subjunctive in an indefinite relative clause.

8

El derecho a pastar en tierras comunales ha sido objeto de disputas históricas.

The right to graze on communal lands has been the subject of historical disputes.

Complex noun phrase 'el derecho a pastar'.

1

La ontología del paisaje rural no se entiende sin la presencia del ganado pastando.

The ontology of the rural landscape cannot be understood without the presence of grazing livestock.

Philosophical/Academic register.

2

Bajo la égida del desarrollo sostenible, el acto de pastar adquiere una nueva dimensión ecológica.

Under the aegis of sustainable development, the act of grazing takes on a new ecological dimension.

Sophisticated idiom 'bajo la égida'.

3

Ni que decir tiene que, de no haber pastado allí, la maleza habría consumido el sendero.

It goes without saying that, had they not grazed there, the undergrowth would have consumed the path.

Inverted conditional 'de no haber' + participle.

4

La transhumancia, ese periplo en busca de pastar, es un vestigio de una economía ancestral.

Transhumance, that journey in search of grazing, is a vestige of an ancestral economy.

Apposition and elevated vocabulary (periplo, vestigio).

5

Se colige de sus escritos que el simple hecho de ver pastar al ganado le resultaba catártico.

It is inferred from his writings that the simple act of seeing livestock graze was cathartic for him.

Formal verb 'coligir' (to infer).

6

Las leyes de cercamientos terminaron con la libertad de pastar en los ejidos municipales.

Enclosure laws ended the freedom to graze on municipal commons.

Historical/Legal terminology (ejidos, cercamientos).

7

El idilio pastoril se quiebra cuando la sequía impide que las reses pasten con normalidad.

The pastoral idyll is broken when drought prevents the cattle from grazing normally.

Literary register (idilio, reses).

8

No por mucho pastar madruga más el buey, parodiando el refrán sobre la diligencia.

Grazing more doesn't make the ox wake up earlier, parodying the proverb about diligence.

Wordplay on a famous Spanish proverb.

동의어

pacer alimentarse herbar herbajar ramonear comer forrajear mordisquear

반의어

ayunar pasar hambre estabular saciar

자주 쓰는 조합

pastar libremente
pastar en el prado
llevar a pastar
derecho a pastar
pastar todo el día
pastar hierba fresca
pastar en la montaña
dejar pastar
pastar tranquilamente
zona de pastar

자주 쓰는 구문

sacar a pastar

— Literally to take animals out to graze. Colloquially, to take someone out for a walk.

Voy a sacar a pastar a los perros al parque.

mandar a pastar

— A rude way to tell someone to go away or leave you alone (similar to 'get lost').

Me cansé de sus mentiras y lo mandé a pastar.

vaca que pasta

— Often used in descriptions of peaceful scenery.

El cuadro muestra una vaca que pasta bajo un árbol.

pastar el ganado

— The act of managing the livestock's feeding.

Su trabajo consiste en pastar el ganado de la familia.

terreno para pastar

— Land suitable for grazing.

Buscamos un terreno para pastar nuestras ovejas.

ganado que pasta

— Livestock that is currently grazing.

El ganado que pasta allí es de raza cántabra.

pastar en libertad

— Grazing without fences or restrictions.

Los bisontes vuelven a pastar en libertad.

tiempo de pastar

— The time of day or season for grazing.

Ya es tiempo de pastar para las cabras.

pastar en común

— Grazing on shared or public land.

Antiguamente, todos los pueblos podían pastar en común.

pastar a sus anchas

— To graze comfortably and without worry.

Las ovejas pastan a sus anchas en el valle.

자주 혼동되는 단어

pastar vs pasta

Pasta is the food (noodles) or 'dough/money' in slang. Pastar is the verb for grazing.

pastar vs pisar

Pisar means to step on. It sounds slightly similar but the meaning is completely different.

pastar vs pasar

Pasar means to pass or to happen. Common confusion for beginners.

관용어 및 표현

"mandar a alguien a pastar"

— To tell someone to go away in a dismissive or rude manner.

Si vuelve a molestarme, lo mandaré a pastar.

informal/rude
"estar pastando"

— To be distracted, daydreaming, or doing nothing productive.

¡Oye! Pon atención, parece que estás pastando.

informal
"sacar a pastar la lengua"

— To talk too much or gossip (rare, regional).

Ya sacó a pastar la lengua y contó todo el secreto.

colloquial
"poner a pastar"

— To set someone aside or ignore them (metaphorical).

El entrenador puso a pastar al jugador estrella tras la pelea.

informal
"más hambre que una vaca pastando"

— A humorous exaggeration of hunger (ironic, as cows are always eating).

Tengo más hambre que una vaca pastando.

humorous
"pastar en prados ajenos"

— To meddle in other people's business or affairs.

No deberías pastar en prados ajenos; cuida tus asuntos.

literary/metaphorical
"dejar pastar el asunto"

— To let a matter rest or wait before taking action.

Es mejor dejar pastar el asunto hasta que se calmen los ánimos.

metaphorical
"vaca que no pasta, no da leche"

— A proverb meaning you need to invest/work to get results.

Recuerda: vaca que no pasta, no da leche. ¡A trabajar!

proverbial
"pastar como un buey"

— To eat slowly and steadily.

Come tranquilo, está pastando como un buey.

informal
"irse a pastar"

— Similar to 'mandar a pastar', but used about oneself leaving.

Me voy a pastar, ya no aguanto más esta reunión.

slang

혼동하기 쉬운

pastar vs pacer

They mean the same thing.

Pacer is more literary and specific to the act of nipping grass; pastar is more general and common.

Las ovejas pacen (literary) / Las ovejas pastan (common).

pastar vs pastorear

Same root.

Pastorear is what the shepherd does (herding); pastar is what the animal does (eating).

El pastor pastorea; la vaca pasta.

pastar vs ramonear

Both involve animals eating plants.

Ramonear is eating leaves/twigs from trees; pastar is eating grass from the ground.

La jirafa ramonea; la oveja pasta.

pastar vs forrajear

Related to feeding.

Forrajear is searching for food; pastar is the act of eating it in a field.

El jabalí forrajea en el bosque.

pastar vs alimentar

General vs. specific.

Alimentar is to feed someone/something; pastar is specifically grazing.

Alimento a mi perro; la vaca pasta.

문장 패턴

A1

El [animal] pasta.

El toro pasta.

A2

Hay [animales] pastando en [lugar].

Hay ovejas pastando en el valle.

B1

Llevar a [animales] a pastar.

Llevamos a las cabras a pastar.

B1

Si [condición], los animales pastarán.

Si hay hierba, los caballos pastarán.

B2

Es necesario que [animales] pasten [adverbio].

Es necesario que las vacas pasten libremente.

C1

El derecho a pastar en [lugar] es [adjetivo].

El derecho a pastar en el ejido es fundamental.

C1

A pesar de [sustantivo], el ganado pasta.

A pesar del frío, el ganado pasta.

C2

De no haber [participio], el ganado no habría pastado.

De no haber llovido, el ganado no habría pastado.

어휘 가족

명사

pasto (grass/pasture)
pastizal (large pasture)
pastor (shepherd)
pastora (shepherdess)
pastoreo (grazing activity)
pastura (fodder/pasture)

동사

pastorear (to herd/tend livestock)
pacer (to graze - synonym)
repastar (to graze again)

형용사

pastoril (pastoral/rural)
pastoso (doughy/thick - unrelated meaning but same root)
pascual (related to Easter/lambs - distant root)

관련

ganado (livestock)
rebaño (flock)
prado (meadow)
hierba (grass)
dehesa (oak pasture)

사용법

frequency

High in rural and nature-related topics; low in urban daily life.

자주 하는 실수
  • Using 'pastar' for humans eating salad. Los humanos comen ensalada.

    Pastar is only for animals. For humans, it's humorous or insulting.

  • Saying 'las vacas pastan la hierba'. Las vacas pastan en el campo / comen hierba.

    Pastar is usually intransitive. You don't 'graze the grass', you graze 'in the field'.

  • Confusing 'pastar' with 'pasta' (money/noodles). Las vacas pastan; yo como pasta.

    One is a verb, the other is a noun.

  • Adding an extra 'e' (pastear). Pastar.

    There is no 'e' in the stem of this verb.

  • Using 'pastar' for a lion eating meat. El león come carne.

    Pastar is strictly for herbivores eating vegetation from the ground.

Think of Pasture

The easiest way to remember 'pastar' is to link it to the English word 'pasture'. A pasture is where animals go to pastar.

Regular Verb

Don't worry about irregular forms. Pastar conjugates exactly like 'hablar'. Focus on using it in the gerund (pastando) for descriptions.

Animal Specific

Reserve this verb for cows, sheep, horses, and goats. Using it for your cat or your friend will sound very strange!

Regional Terms

While 'pastar' is universal, the grass they eat might be called 'pasto' (Latin America) or 'hierba' (Spain).

Polite Dismissal

If you want to be a bit rude, 'vete a pastar' is a classic Spanish way to tell someone to get lost.

Setting the Scene

When writing a story set in the countryside, use 'había vacas pastando' to immediately create a peaceful atmosphere.

Context Clues

In documentaries, listen for 'pastar' whenever they show herbivores. It's a key word for nature lovers.

Stress the End

Always stress the 'tar' at the end. pas-TAR. This is crucial for the infinitive form.

Common Pairs

Learn 'llevar a pastar'. It's much more common than using pastar as a transitive verb on its own.

Literary Pacer

If you read Spanish poetry, you will see 'pacer'. Just treat it as a fancy version of 'pastar'.

암기하기

기억법

Imagine a cow eating a giant bowl of PASTA in a field. PASTA-r is what she does when she eats the grass instead!

시각적 연상

Visualize a vibrant green field (pasto) with a shepherd (pastor) watching his sheep pastar.

Word Web

Pasto Pastor Pastizal Pastoreo Vaca Oveja Campo Hierba

챌린지

Try to use 'pastar', 'pasto', and 'pastor' in a single sentence describing a farm scene.

어원

From the Latin verb 'pastare', which is a frequentative form of 'pascere' (to feed). It is related to the Indo-European root *pa- (to protect/feed).

원래 의미: To lead to pasture or to feed animals.

Romance (Latin origin).

문화적 맥락

Be careful when using 'pastar' metaphorically with people; it can imply they are unintelligent or animal-like.

English speakers often use 'graze' for both animals and humans (snacking). In Spanish, 'pastar' is strictly for animals; using it for humans is a joke or an insult.

The 'Eglogas' by Garcilaso de la Vega (classical pastoral poetry). Don Quixote often encounters shepherds and their grazing flocks. The 'Mesta' (historical Spanish grazing guild).

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

On a farm

  • ¿Dónde están pastando las vacas?
  • Es hora de sacar el ganado a pastar.
  • El pasto está muy corto para pastar.
  • Hay que rotar la zona de pastar.

Nature hiking

  • Mira esos caballos pastando.
  • No hagas ruido, hay ciervos pastando.
  • ¡Qué paz transmiten las ovejas pastando!
  • Es un paisaje típico con vacas pastando.

Environmental discussion

  • El sobrepastoreo es un problema grave.
  • Pastar de forma rotativa ayuda al suelo.
  • Los animales que pastan libremente son más sanos.
  • La sequía impide pastar al ganado.

Literature/Poetry

  • El rebaño pasta bajo el sol.
  • Símbolo de la vida pastoril.
  • Las reses pastan en el idilio.
  • Pacer y pastar en los versos.

Legal/Property

  • Derecho de pastar en el monte.
  • Lindes para pastar el ganado.
  • Multa por pastar en zona prohibida.
  • Contrato de arrendamiento para pastar.

대화 시작하기

"¿Alguna vez has visto vacas pastando en las montañas de España?"

"¿Crees que la carne de animales que pastan libremente sabe mejor?"

"En tu país, ¿es común ver ovejas pastando cerca de las carreteras?"

"¿Qué otros animales, además de las vacas, suelen pastar en el campo?"

"¿Te parece relajante observar a los animales mientras pastan?"

일기 주제

Describe un paisaje rural que te guste, mencionando a los animales que están pastando en él.

Escribe sobre las ventajas y desventajas de dejar que el ganado paste libremente versus tenerlo en establos.

Imagina que eres un pastor. ¿Cómo es tu día a día llevando a las ovejas a pastar?

¿Cómo crees que el cambio climático afecta a las zonas donde los animales suelen pastar?

Escribe una pequeña historia sobre un caballo que se escapa para pastar en un jardín prohibido.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Generalmente no. Solo se usa de forma humorística o insultante para decir que alguien está comiendo mucho vegetal o que está distraído. Para personas, usamos 'comer'.

Son casi sinónimos. 'Pastar' es la palabra normal y corriente. 'Pacer' es más elegante, literaria y se usa mucho en poesía o textos antiguos.

Se dice 'pastando'. Por ejemplo: 'The cows are grazing' se traduce como 'Las vacas están pastando'.

Sí, es completamente regular en todos los tiempos y modos. Sigue el modelo de 'hablar'.

Es cuando demasiados animales pastan en un mismo lugar, dañando la tierra porque la hierba no tiene tiempo de volver a crecer.

No es común. Si tu perro come hierba, es mejor decir 'mi perro come hierba'. 'Pastar' se reserva para animales de granja o herbívoros salvajes.

Es una expresión informal para decirle a alguien que se vaya y deje de molestar. Es similar a 'vete a freír espárragos'.

Se llama 'pastizal', 'prado', 'dehesa' o simplemente 'campo'.

Sí, es una palabra universal en el mundo hispanohablante, aunque en algunos lugares se use más 'pasto' y en otros 'hierba' o 'césped'.

Viene del latín 'pastare', que significa alimentar. Tiene la misma raíz que 'pastor' y 'pasto'.

셀프 테스트 200 질문

writing

Write a simple sentence about a cow eating grass.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe what you saw in a field yesterday using 'pastar'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Explain where a shepherd takes his sheep.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using the subjunctive with 'pastar'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Discuss the importance of grazing for biodiversity.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use the idiom 'mandar a pastar' in a short dialogue.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Answer: ¿Qué hacen las ovejas?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in the future tense with 'pastar'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'llevar a pastar' in a sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Explain 'sobrepastoreo' in one sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'pacer' in a poetic sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a complex conditional sentence about grazing.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Where do cows graze? (In Spanish)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use the gerund 'pastando'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

What happens if there is no grass? (Use pastar)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'permitir' + subjunctive with 'pastar'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write about 'transhumancia'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'bajo la égida' and 'pastar'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe a farm scene with three verbs, including 'pastar'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

What did the sheep do all day? (Use preterite)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'The cow grazes in the field' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Yesterday the horses were grazing' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Ask: 'Where do the sheep graze?' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'It is important that the cattle graze freely' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Describe the Spanish 'dehesa' using the verb 'pastar'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Tell someone to 'get lost' using the idiom 'pastar'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'The sheep graze.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'We saw cows grazing.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'The shepherd takes the goats to graze.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Overgrazing is a problem.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'The livestock managed to graze despite the cold.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'The pastoral scene was very peaceful.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'I like to watch the cows graze.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'They will graze tomorrow.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'There is no grass to graze on.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'The rancher allows them to graze.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'The deer stopped grazing.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'It goes without saying that they graze here.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'The bull is grazing.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'They used to graze here.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'La vaca pasta'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Caballos pastando'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Llevar a pastar'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'El sobrepastoreo'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Ganado trashumante'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Las ovejas pastan'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Pastaron ayer'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Donde pastar'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Espero que pasten'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Derecho a pastar'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Vete a pastar'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Pasto verde'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Vaca pastando'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Hora de pastar'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Han pastado'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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