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"Caballa" is a form of "caballa", a noun which is often translated as "mackerel". "Caballo" is a noun which is often translated as "horse". Learn more about the difference between "caballa" and "caballo" below.
la caballa(
kah
-
bah
-
yah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (animal)
a. mackerel
La caballa es fácil de identificar por sus rayas negras.Mackerel is easy to identify by its black stripes.
2. (culinary)
a. mackerel
Suelo comprar caballa porque es un pescado azul que tiene buen precio.I usually buy mackerel because it's a very reasonably-priced bluefish.
el caballo(
kah
-
bah
-
yoh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
2. (chess)
a. knight
El movimiento del caballo es difícil de aprender.It's hard to learn how to move your knight.
6. (carpentry)
a. sawhorse
Pon la madera en el caballo y sujétala bien antes de empezar a serrar.Place the wood on the sawhorse and clamp it securely before starting to saw.
b. sawbuck (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Si no tienes caballo, apoya la tabla sobre una silla para cortarla.If you don't have a sawbuck, place the plank of wood on a chair to cut it.
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
7. (slang) (unintelligent) (Central America) (South America)
A very informal word or phrase used by a particular group or community as a substitute for standard language (e.g., joint, john).
Regionalism used in Central America: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama
Regionalism used in South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela
a. stupid (colloquial)
Es bien caballo ese chavo. - No, no más es muy callado.That kid is really stupid. - No, he's just really quiet.
