Hey there seafood lovers! I’ve spent countless hours in Spanish restaurants and markets trying to figure out how to order my favorite shellfish without looking like a total tourist. After lots of awkward pointing and confused looks, I finally got the hang of it. Let me share everything I learned about how to say “shrimp” in Spanish!
The Most Common Spanish Words for Shrimp
Let’s start with the basics – here are the main ways to say shrimp in Spanish
- Camarón – This is your go-to word! It’s the most universal term used across all Spanish-speaking countries for medium or small shrimp
- Gamba – This usually means jumbo shrimp, but heads up – in Spain, they use it for any size shrimp
- Quisquilla – Those tiny little shrimp you sometimes find? That’s what this word means, mainly used in Spain
- Langostino – Think big prawns here, especially in Latin America
Size Matters! Spanish Terms for Different Shrimp Sizes
Just like we do in English Spanish has specific terms for different sizes
- Camarón jumbo/gigante – The big boys! These are your jumbo shrimp
- Camarón mediano – Medium-sized shrimp
- Camarón pop – Those cute little popcorn shrimp
- Camarón miniatura – Tiny shrimp
Common Shrimp Dishes in Spanish
Here’s what you’ll likely see on menus
- Camarones al ajillo – Garlic shrimp (my personal fave!)
- Camarones empanizados – Breaded fried shrimp
- Cóctel de camarones – Classic shrimp cocktail
- Camarones a la plancha – Grilled shrimp
- Arroz con camarones – Shrimp with rice
Shopping for Shrimp: Useful Descriptors
When you’re at the market, these terms will come in handy:
| Spanish Term | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| Camarón fresco | Fresh shrimp |
| Camarón congelado | Frozen shrimp |
| Camarón pelado | Peeled shrimp |
| Camarón crudo | Raw shrimp |
| Camarón cocido | Cooked shrimp |
Regional Differences Worth Noting
Ya know how different English-speaking countries have their own slang? Same goes for Spanish! Here’s what I’ve noticed:
- In Spain: People mostly use “gambas”
- In Mexico: “Camarón” is king
- In Argentina: You might hear “langostino” more often
- In Caribbean: Mix of “camarón” and “gamba”
Pro Tips for Ordering
- If you’re in Spain, stick with “gambas”
- In Latin America, “camarón” is your safest bet
- When in doubt, point and smile! (Works every time )
Some Fun Shrimp-Related Phrases
- Estar como un camarón – To be sunburned (literally: to be like a shrimp)
- No ser ni camarón ni pescado – To be neither here nor there
- Camarón que se duerme se lo lleva la corriente – The early bird catches the worm (literally: the sleeping shrimp gets carried away by the current)
Wrapping It Up
Now you’re ready to order shrimp like a pro in any Spanish-speaking country! Remember, “camarón” is your best friend in most situations, but don’t be afraid to try out the regional variations.
And hey, if you mess up, no biggie – most folks appreciate the effort to speak their language. I’ve definitely made my share of ordering mishaps (once accidentally ordered shrimp heads instead of whole shrimp – oops!), but that’s part of the learning experience.
Got any funny stories about ordering seafood in Spanish? Drop ’em in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this guide with your seafood-loving amigos who might need it. ¡Buen provecho! (That’s “enjoy your meal” in Spanish, by the way!)
P.S. – If you’re planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country, save this article for later. Trust me, it’ll come in handy when you’re staring at that menu trying to figure out what’s what!
Translation of shrimp | GLOBAL English–Spanish Dictionary shrimp
(Translation of shrimp from the GLOBAL English-Spanish Dictionary © 2020 K Dictionaries Ltd)
Translations of shrimp in Chinese (Traditional) 動物, 小海蝦, （食用的）小蝦仁…
Get a quick, free translation!
Daily Spanish word | How do you say (“shrimp”) in Spanish shrimp
FAQ
What is the Spanish word for shrimp?
el camarón is Mexican and la gamba is Spain Spanish word for shrimp. But according to a very famous dictionary la gamba is a big shrimp and Spain Spanish word for the shrimp is la quisquilla which sounds to me very weird. Could natives explain the differences for the shrimp?
Does camarón mean shrimp?
In Spanish, the word “camarón” (shrimp), comes from the Latin cammarus which comes from the Greek kámmaros which means crustacean.
What is the Spanish word for prawns?
prawn noun (plural: prawns) langostino m. camarón m (plural: camarones m) gamba f.
What are shrimps called in Spain?
Gamba, a popular seafood dish
The first seafood catch we’re introducing is probably the most common crustacean enjoyed at the Spanish table: gambas, or striped shrimp. In Catalonia, “gambas de Palamós” are particularly renowned.
How do you say shrimp in Spanish?
The translation of shrimp in Spanish is camarón.
What is a small shrimp in Spanish?
The most common translations for shrimp in Spanish are: Camarón – This is the universal term used in all Spanish speaking countries to refer to a medium or small sized shrimp. When a recipe calls for just “shrimp” with no other descriptors, it’s safe to assume it means camarón. Quisquilla – A very small shrimp or prawn.
What is the feminine singular form of ‘shrimp’ in Spanish?
The feminine singular form of ‘shrimp’ in Spanish is gamba. (Translation of shrimp from the GLOBAL English-Spanish Dictionary © 2020 K Dictionaries Ltd) … camarón, gamba, camarón, gamba [feminine, singular]…
What is Spanish garlic shrimp?
Spanish garlic shrimp is a popular Spanish tapas and an easy-to-make seafood appetizer. It is a crowd pleaser with a quick prep and cooking time, making it a great last-minute appetizer for any occasion! It is usually enjoyed hot, but can also be served cold. This recipe is perfect for sharing!
What does shrimp mean?
shrimp (third-person singular simple present shrimps, present participle shrimping, simple past and past participle shrimped) (intransitive) To fish for shrimp. To contract; to shrink.
Where can I find a translation of shrimp?
Visit the Spanish-English Forum. Help WordReference: Ask in the forums yourself. Go to Preferences page and choose from different actions for taps or mouse clicks. See Google Translate’s machine translation of ‘shrimp’.