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noun

el hato

herd

Conjunto de animales, especialmente de ganado, que pastan o se crían juntos en un mismo lugar.

Definition & meaning

Hato is a masculine Spanish noun with several related meanings:

  1. A group or herd of livestock, especially in rural contexts.

    • Un hato de ganado means “a herd of livestock.”
    • In some Latin American countries, hato can also mean a ranch or rural estate where animals are raised.

  2. A bundle of clothes or personal belongings, usually carried during travel or a move.

    • Preparó su hato y se marchó means “He prepared his bundle of belongings and left.”

  3. A group of people, often used informally or somewhat negatively.

    • Un hato de vagabundos means “a bunch of vagrants.”

The word often has a rural, traditional, or literary tone.

Grammar & Word origin

Hato is a masculine noun:

  • Singular: el hato
  • Plural: los hatos

It is not normally divided into meaningful modern Spanish parts; hat- and -o do not function as separate productive morphemes in this word.

The noun is generally considered to have an Arabic Hispanic origin, although the precise etymological history is uncertain. Its meanings developed around livestock, rural property, and the belongings associated with traveling or rural life.

Synonyms & antonyms

For “herd” or “group of livestock”

  • rebaño — usually a flock or herd of sheep, goats, or similar animals; more specific than hato.
  • manada — a herd or pack, often used for larger animals or wild animals.
  • ganado — livestock in general, referring to the animals rather than necessarily emphasizing their grouping.

There is no exact antonym for hato in this sense. Possible contrasts include:

  • animal aislado — an isolated animal rather than a group.
  • dispersión — dispersion or the state of being spread apart.

For “bundle of belongings”

  • bulto — a package, bundle, or bulky object; more general and less associated with clothes.
  • fardo — a tightly packed bundle, often large or heavy.
  • equipaje — luggage or baggage, usually carried when traveling.
  • hatillo — a small bundle, often of clothes; it is a diminutive related to hato.

There is no direct antonym for hato meaning a bundle. Depending on context, deshacer or desorden can express the opposite action or condition.

Common phrases & collocations

  • hato de ganado — herd of livestock.
  • hacer el hato — to pack one’s belongings.
  • liar el hato — to bundle up one’s belongings and leave; often used figuratively for departing.
  • irse con el hato — to leave with one’s belongings.
  • hato de gente — a group or bunch of people, often with a dismissive tone.

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Examples

El pastor cuida su hato de ovejas.noun

The shepherd takes care of his herd of sheep.

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