Meaning
To be an experienced sailor or a person with extensive experience.
Cultural Background
In coastal regions like Galicia and Asturias, being called a 'lobo de mar' is one of the highest compliments a man can receive. It implies he has survived the 'Costa da Morte' (Coast of Death). In Chile, 'lobo de mar' is also the common name for the South American sea lion. You must use context to distinguish between the animal and the experienced person. The phrase is a staple in Hispanic 'novela marítima'. Authors like Arturo Pérez-Reverte use it to build the 'tough guy' archetype.
Use it for respect
If you want to impress a Spanish speaker, use this to describe a veteran worker. It shows you understand cultural nuances.
Check the gender
Remember to use 'loba' for women to be grammatically precise in modern conversation.
Meaning
To be an experienced sailor or a person with extensive experience.
Use it for respect
If you want to impress a Spanish speaker, use this to describe a veteran worker. It shows you understand cultural nuances.
Check the gender
Remember to use 'loba' for women to be grammatically precise in modern conversation.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the idiom.
Mi tío ______ un lobo de mar.
We use 'ser' for permanent characteristics and identities.
Complete the phrase.
Para navegar en esta tormenta necesitas ser un lobo de ______.
The idiom is 'lobo de mar'.
Which person is a 'lobo de mar'?
Select the best fit:
The phrase refers to a human with long-term experience.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Crees que el mecánico pueda arreglar el barco? B: Sí, él es un ______.
Lobo de mar is the correct idiom for an expert.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMi tío ______ un lobo de mar.
We use 'ser' for permanent characteristics and identities.
Para navegar en esta tormenta necesitas ser un lobo de ______.
The idiom is 'lobo de mar'.
Select the best fit:
The phrase refers to a human with long-term experience.
A: ¿Crees que el mecánico pueda arreglar el barco? B: Sí, él es un ______.
Lobo de mar is the correct idiom for an expert.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, it specifically implies years of experience and 'weathering the storm'. Use 'genio' or 'crack' for young talent.
Originally yes, but today it is used for any veteran professional (doctors, teachers, etc.).
Never. It is a term of high respect for someone's resilience and knowledge.
Related Phrases
Perro viejo
synonymAn old dog (experienced and cunning person).
Estar curtido
similarTo be hardened/weathered.
Tener mucha mili
similarTo have done a lot of military service.
