Hey foodies! I’m Thomas and today I’m gonna share everything you need to know about saying “shrimp” in Spanish. Whether you’re planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country or just want to order your favorite seafood at that new tapas place I’ve got you covered!
The Basic Spanish Words for Shrimp
Let me break it down for ya – there are actually a few different ways to say “shrimp” in Spanish. depending on where you are and what kind of shrimp you’re talking about
- Camarón (kah-mah-ROHN) – This is your go-to word! It’s the most common and widely understood term across Spanish-speaking countries.
- Gambas (GAHM-bahs) – Used mainly in Spain for larger shrimp
- Quisquillas (kees-KEE-yahs) – Used in Spain for smaller shrimp
Regional Differences – Cuz It’s Never That Simple!
Listen up! Here’s something interesting I learned while researching – different Spanish-speaking regions have their own preferences
- Mexico: They keep it simple and use “camarón” for everything
- Spain: They’re fancy and use all three terms depending on size
- Other Latin American countries: Mostly stick with “camarón”
Essential Shrimp Phrases You’ll Actually Use
At Restaurants
¿Tienen camarones? - Do you have shrimp?Quiero camarones, por favor - I want shrimp, pleaseMe gustaría los camarones al ajillo - I would like the garlic shrimpPopular Shrimp Dishes
- Cóctel de camarones – Shrimp cocktail
- Camarones fritos – Fried shrimp
- Camarones a la parrilla – Grilled shrimp
- Camarones al ajillo – Garlic shrimp
- Pasta alfredo con camarones – Shrimp alfredo
Cooking Terms You Should Know
If you’re following Spanish recipes or cooking instructions, these terms will come in handy:
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| To peel | Pelar |
| To devein | Desvenar |
| To grill | Asar a la parrilla |
| Garlic | Ajo |
| Lemon | Limón |
Pro Tips from My Experience
- When in doubt, just say “camarón” – it’s understood everywhere
- Always use the plural form “camarones” when ordering multiple shrimp
- Roll that ‘R’ in “camarón” – it’ll make you sound more authentic!
- If you’re not sure about pronunciation, point to the menu (we’ve all been there!)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t confuse these similar-sounding words:
- Langostinos – These are actually prawns
- Langosta – This means lobster
- Cangrejo – This means crab
My Personal Take
I remember the first time I tried ordering shrimp in Madrid – I kept saying “camarón” but the waiter kept correcting me to “gambas.” That’s when I learned about regional differences! Trust me, knowing these variations will save you from some awkward restaurant moments.
Wrapping It Up
Learning to say “shrimp” in Spanish isn’t just about memorizing one word – it’s about understanding the context and regional preferences. But don’t stress too much! Start with “camarón” and you’ll be fine in most situations.
Got any funny stories about ordering seafood in Spanish? Drop them in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this guide if you found it helpful!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
Translations of shrimp in Chinese (Traditional) 動物, 小海蝦, （食用的）小蝦仁…
Get a quick, free translation!
Translation of shrimp | GLOBAL English–Spanish Dictionary shrimp
(Translation of shrimp from the GLOBAL English-Spanish Dictionary © 2020 K Dictionaries Ltd)
Daily Spanish word | How do you say (“shrimp”) in Spanish shrimp
FAQ
Is it gambas or camarón?
el camarón is Mexican and la gamba is Spain Spanish word for shrimp.
What is the Spanish word for shrimp?
| Principal Translations | |
|---|---|
| Español | |
| (AmL; mediano o pequeño) | camarón nm |
| (ES; mediano) | gamba nf |
| Note: May be used as a countable or uncountable noun. |
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 use different shrimp words in Spanish?
Here are some examples of how you would use the different shrimp words properly when speaking or writing Spanish: Voy a preparar una ensalada de camarones para la cena. (I’m going to make a shrimp salad for dinner.) Los camarones fritos son mi comida favorita. (Fried shrimp is my favorite food.) En el restaurante, pedimos una gamba roja deliciosa.
What are the different types of shrimp in Spanish?
Shrimp is no exception. Here are the main Spanish terms you’ll encounter for those succulent shellfish: Camarón – This is the most common and generic word for shrimp in Spanish. Camarón can refer to any type or size of shrimp. Gambas – Typically used for larger, prawn-like shrimp or those used in Mediterranean cuisine.
How do you pronounce shrimp in Spanish?
Showing a photo or pointing can help identify the exact shrimp species if the Spanish name is unknown. Pronouncing shrimp-related Spanish vocabulary correctly will help you communicate better. Here are some pronunciation tips: “Camarón” is pronounced kah-mah-ROHN with the stress on the last syllable.
What do Spanish speakers call a shrimp?
Quisquilla – A smaller shrimp or prawn, more common in regional Spanish of Spain. Langostino – A large shrimp or prawn similar to a gambas. Tends to be used more often in Latin American Spanish. As you can see, size and geography determines what Spanish speakers will call a shrimp. But let’s explore when and how to use each term properly.
Is shrimp a common ingredient in Spanish?
Yes, shrimp is a common and popular ingredient in many Spanish-speaking countries, thanks to their access to fresh seafood and their rich culinary traditions. It is often featured in both everyday meals and special occasions. What are some common phrases or expressions related to shrimp in Spanish?