Meaning
To walk one's dog.
Cultural Background
In Spain, it is very common to see dogs in bars and on cafe terraces. The 'paseo' often ends with the owner having a 'caña' (small beer) while the dog rests at their feet. In Buenos Aires, 'paseadores de perros' are a common sight. They are professionals who walk large groups of dogs simultaneously in city parks. In Mexico City, many parks have designated 'áreas caninas'. Walking the dog is a primary way for neighbors in apartment-heavy areas like Polanco to socialize. In Colombia, the term 'sacar al perro' is standard, but you might also hear 'darle una vuelta al perro'.
The 'Al' Rule
Always remember that 'a + el' becomes 'al'. It's the most common mistake for beginners.
Avoid 'Caminar'
Never say 'caminar el perro'. It's a dead giveaway that you are translating literally from English.
Meaning
To walk one's dog.
The 'Al' Rule
Always remember that 'a + el' becomes 'al'. It's the most common mistake for beginners.
Avoid 'Caminar'
Never say 'caminar el perro'. It's a dead giveaway that you are translating literally from English.
Use 'Bajar'
If you want to sound like a local in Madrid or Buenos Aires, use 'bajar al perro' if you live in an apartment.
Socialize!
In Hispanic cultures, walking the dog is a social event. Don't be afraid to say 'hola' to other owners.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the daily routine.
Todas las mañanas, mi padre _____ a _____ al perro.
The standard phrase is 'sacar a pasear'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct option:
Option C correctly uses the 'personal a' contraction 'al'.
Complete the dialogue between two neighbors.
Vecino A: ¡Qué frío hace! Vecino B: Sí, no tengo ganas de ______.
This is the most natural way to express the sentiment in this context.
Match the phrase variation to the correct context.
If you live on the 5th floor of an apartment in Madrid, you would most likely say:
'Bajar al perro' is the idiomatic way to say you're taking the dog down to the street.
Match the Spanish phrase with its English equivalent.
Connect the pairs:
All pairs are correctly matched based on tense and meaning.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Regional Variations
Practice Bank
5 exercisesTodas las mañanas, mi padre _____ a _____ al perro.
The standard phrase is 'sacar a pasear'.
Choose the correct option:
Option C correctly uses the 'personal a' contraction 'al'.
Vecino A: ¡Qué frío hace! Vecino B: Sí, no tengo ganas de ______.
This is the most natural way to express the sentiment in this context.
If you live on the 5th floor of an apartment in Madrid, you would most likely say:
'Bajar al perro' is the idiomatic way to say you're taking the dog down to the street.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
All pairs are correctly matched based on tense and meaning.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it's a very common and perfectly correct shortening.
No, it's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Because of the 'personal a' rule for pets and the contraction of 'a' and 'el'.
Then you say 'sacar a pasear a la perra'.
Yes, in areas with heavy English influence, you might hear it, but it's technically incorrect in standard Spanish.
Not really, though 'pasear' covers it. Some regions use 'perrear' but that usually means something else (dancing)!
You say 'paseador de perros'.
Yes, it's very common and safe in most urban areas.
Sacar a pasear a los perros.
Yes, but you can also say 'sacar a pasear al cachorrito'.
It's similar, but 'llevar' implies taking the dog *to* a specific place, like the vet.
Use 'soltar al perro' or 'dejarlo salir'.
Related Phrases
dar un paseo
similarto take a walk
pasear a alguien
builds onto drive someone around
perro callejero
specialized formstray dog
hacer sus necesidades
specialized formto do its business
llevar con correa
similarto lead on a leash
