How Do You Say Crab in Spanish? Common Translations and Useful Phrases

As an English speaker learning Spanish, you’ll eventually need to know how to talk about different animals and food items. One of those common words is “crab.” So how do you say crab in Spanish? There are a few different translations depending on the context and region.

The Most Common Ways to Say Crab in Spanish

The most universally understood Spanish word for crab is “el cangrejo” This masculine noun works for any type of crab and can be used in any Spanish-speaking country Some examples are

• Vi un cangrejo en la playa (I saw a crab on the beach)

• El cangrejo nadaba en el océano. (The crab was swimming in the ocean.)

• Me gusta comer cangrejo con limón. (I like eating crab with lemon.)

Another very common term is “la jaiba” This is a feminine noun used more often in Latin America to refer specifically to blue crabs For instance

• Compré jaiba en el mercado para hacer tacos. (I bought crab at the market to make tacos.)

• Las jaibas son abundantes en esta área. (Crabs are abundant in this area.)

Regional Variations for Crab in Spanish

While “cangrejo” and “jaiba” are widely understood, you may encounter some regional Spanish variations for the word crab:

• Mexico/Central America: changarro, cucaracha de mar

• Caribbean: juey

• Spain: buey de mar (for brown crab)

• El Salvador: cocotero (for coconut crab)

So if you’re traveling to a Spanish-speaking country, it helps to learn the local terms for crab. But you can generally use “cangrejo” or “jaiba” and still be understood.

Other Useful Crab Vocabulary in Spanish

Here are some additional Spanish words and phrases that can help you talk about crabs:

• Claw = la pinza
• Shell = el caparazón
• Crab cake = la torta de cangrejo
• Hermit crab = el cangrejo ermitaño
• To catch crabs = pescar cangrejos
• Soft shell crab = cangrejo de caparazón blando
• Crab meat = carne de cangrejo

Knowing the words for crab body parts and dishes makes your Spanish more descriptive.

Using Crab in Spanish Sentences

When using crab vocabulary in Spanish sentences, pay attention to the gender and regional variations. Here are some examples in context:

• El cangrejo ermitaño buscaba una concha nueva. (The hermit crab was looking for a new shell.)

• Los pescadores trajeron jaibas frescas del mar. (The fishermen brought fresh crabs from the sea.)

• ¿Has probado el cangrejo de caparazón blando? ¡Está riquísimo! (Have you tried the soft shell crab? It’s delicious!)

• En la playa, vi muchos changarros enterrados en la arena. (On the beach, I saw many crabs buried in the sand.)

Whether you’re talking about eating crab, spotting one on the beach, or learning new vocabulary, knowing how to say crab in Spanish is useful. Focus on learning the universal terms like “cangrejo” as well as regional words like “jaiba.” With the phrases and sentences provided, you’ll be able to discuss crabs comfortably in your Spanish conversations.

In Puerto Rico, “crab” can be referred to as “cangrejo” or “juey”. “Juey” specifically refers to the blue land crab.