aguacate
Mexico, standard
In Mexico the word for avocado is aguacate. It is the everyday name for the fruit in Mexican Spanish, and the word came from the Nahuatl ahuacatl.
Meaning: avocado (noun)
Which one should you use?
In Chile, Peru and Argentina the same fruit is called palta. Mexicans use aguacate only, so asking for palta there may get a puzzled look.
How does it change in a sentence?
Aguacate is masculine: el aguacate. The tree is el aguacatero and a dish with avocado often uses de such as tostada de aguacate.
When do people say it?
Avocado is central to Mexican food. It is mashed into guacamole, sliced onto tacos or served on top of soups.
Did you know?
- Michoacán is the largest avocado-producing state in Mexico, and the town of Uruapan is well known for it.
- The word guacamole comes from the Nahuatl ahuacamolli, which means avocado sauce.
Examples in context
- Quiero un aguacate maduro.I want a ripe avocado.
- El guacamole lleva aguacate, limón y cilantro.Guacamole has avocado, lime and cilantro.
- Compra dos aguacates en el mercado.Buy two avocados at the market.
Example conversation
Mamá asks her son Emilio to buy ingredients at a market in Morelia.
- MamáEmilio, necesito aguacates para la comida.Emilio, I need avocados for lunch.
- Emilio¿Cuántos compro?How many do I buy?
- MamáCuatro. Que estén maduros.Four. Make sure they are ripe.
- EmilioVa, ahorita regreso.OK, I will be back in a bit.
