Carabao vs. Buffalo — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 25, 2023
A carabao is a specific type of water buffalo native to the Philippines, while a buffalo refers more broadly to several large bovine species, including both the water buffalo and the African cape buffalo.
Difference Between Carabao and Buffalo
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Key Differences
Both carabaos and buffaloes are large, herbivorous bovines known for their strength and significance in agriculture.
The term carabao is region-specific, denoting a domesticated subspecies of the water buffalo that's deeply intertwined with Philippine culture. Buffaloes, on the other hand, encompass a wider variety of species. This term can refer to the water buffalo, native to Asia and used in agriculture throughout many Asian countries, or the African cape buffalo, a wild species found in the African grasslands.
The carabao is a vital beast of burden in the Philippines, frequently employed for tilling rice fields and other agricultural tasks. Its symbolic value in the Philippines is profound, with the animal often being associated with hard work and perseverance. In contrast, the broader category of buffalo has diverse representations worldwide. In Asia, the water buffalo, like the carabao, is tied to agriculture. Meanwhile, the African cape buffalo is a symbol of the wild, known for its unpredictable nature and strength.
It's worth noting that in North America, the term "buffalo" often (though incorrectly) refers to the bison, an animal that's distinct from both the water buffalo and the cape buffalo.
Comparison Chart
Geographical Association
Philippines
Asia (Water Buffalo), Africa (Cape Buffalo)
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Agricultural Use
Widely used for tilling and agricultural tasks
Used in various parts of Asia; not the African buffalo
Cultural Significance
Symbol of hard work and perseverance in the Philippines
Varied, depending on species and region
Species
Domesticated subspecies of the water buffalo
Includes water buffalo and cape buffalo
Relation to North America
Not native and less known
Often confused with bison, although inaccurately
Compare with Definitions
Carabao
A carabao is a water buffalo subspecies.
The farmer's carabao helped plow the rice fields.
Buffalo
A buffalo is a large bovine animal.
The buffalo grazed peacefully by the river.
Carabao
Carabaos are native to the Philippines.
On his trip, he was fascinated to see a carabao for the first time.
Buffalo
Buffaloes can be wild or domesticated.
The farmer has several domesticated buffaloes.
Carabao
A carabao is a domesticated animal.
Children often ride the carabao back from the fields.
Buffalo
Water buffaloes are common in Asia.
Buffaloes are essential for agriculture in many Asian countries.
Carabao
The carabao (Spanish: Carabao; Tagalog: kalabaw) is a domestic swamp-type water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) native to the Philippines. Carabaos were introduced to Guam from the Spanish Philippines in the 17th century.
Buffalo
The African cape buffalo is wild and unpredictable.
On safari, they spotted a herd of cape buffalo.
Carabao
A domesticated subspecies of water buffalo, Bubalus bubalis carabanesis.
Buffalo
Any of the Old World mammals of the family Bovidae, such as the Cape buffalo, Syncerus caffer, or the water buffalo Bubalus bubalis.
Carabao
Water buffalo of the Philippines
Buffalo
A buffalo robe. See Buffalo robe, below.
Carabao
They are significant in Philippine agriculture.
Carabaos are indispensable in rural farming communities.
Buffalo
The buffalo fish. See Buffalofish, below.
Carabao
Carabaos are known for their strength.
The carabao effortlessly carried the heavy load uphill.
Buffalo
Buffalo is often misused to refer to bison in North America.
Many people mistakenly call the American bison a buffalo.
Carabao
The water buffalo of the Philippines.
Buffalo
The American bison (Bison bison).
Buffalo
The flesh of the American bison, used as food.
Buffalo
Any of several North American suckers of the genus Ictiobus, having a dark body and an arched back. Also called buffalo fish.
Buffalo
To intimidate or frighten, as by a display of authority
“The board couldn't buffalo the federal courts as it had the Comptroller” (American Banker).
Buffalo
To confuse or deceive
“Too often ... job seekers have buffaloed lenders as to their competency and training” (H. Jane Lehman).
Buffalo
A related North American animal, the American bison, Bison bison.
Buffalo
To outwit, confuse, deceive, or intimidate.
Buffalo
To pistol-whip.
Buffalo
A species of the genus Bos or Bubalus (Bubalus bubalus), originally from India, but now found in most of the warmer countries of the eastern continent. It is larger and less docile than the common ox, and is fond of marshy places and rivers.
Buffalo
A very large and savage species of the same genus (Syncerus Caffer syn. Bubalus Caffer) found in South Africa; - called also Cape buffalo.
Buffalo
Any species of wild ox.
Buffalo
The bison of North America.
Buffalo
Large shaggy-haired brown bison of North American plains
Buffalo
A city on Lake Erie in western New York (near Niagara Falls)
Buffalo
Meat from an American bison
Buffalo
Any of several Old World animals resembling oxen including, e.g., water buffalo; Cape buffalo
Buffalo
Intimidate or overawe
Buffalo
Any of several large African and Asian ruminant mammals of the family Bovidae, such as the water buffalo and the African buffalo.
Buffalo
Ellipsis of buffalo robe
Buffalo
The buffalo fish (Ictiobus spp.).
Buffalo
A nickel.
Buffalo
(transitive) To hunt buffalo.
Common Curiosities
Where can I find carabaos?
Carabaos are native to the Philippines and are central to its agriculture.
Is a carabao the same as a buffalo?
A carabao is a type of water buffalo, specific to the Philippines, while "buffalo" can refer to various bovine species.
Why is the carabao significant in the Philippines?
The carabao is vital for agriculture in the Philippines and symbolizes hard work and perseverance.
Why are buffaloes important?
Buffaloes, particularly the water buffalo, are vital for agriculture in many regions, providing labor and sometimes milk.
Is the American buffalo a true buffalo?
No, the American "buffalo" is actually a bison and is distinct from the true buffaloes of Asia and Africa.
Can you ride a carabao?
Yes, in the Philippines, carabaos are often ridden, especially by children in rural areas.
Are all buffaloes used in farming?
No, while the water buffalo is used in farming in many parts of Asia, the African cape buffalo is wild and not used for agriculture.
Are there wild buffaloes?
Yes, for instance, the African cape buffalo is a wild species.
Is there a difference in temperament between the carabao and the African buffalo?
Yes, while carabaos are generally docile and used for work, African cape buffaloes are known for being unpredictable and can be aggressive.
How can you tell a carabao and water buffalo apart?
Carabaos are a subspecies of water buffalo and are mainly distinguished by their association with the Philippines and specific domesticated traits.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
