anchoa
/anˈt͡ʃoa/feminine
The English phrase anchovy is translated into Spanish as anchoa. Wiktionary also lists boquerón and bocarte.
Meaning: small saltwater fish (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| anchoa | /anˈt͡ʃoa/ | feminine |
| boquerón | /bokeˈɾon/ | masculine |
| bocarte | /boˈkaɾte/ | masculine |
| aladroque | /aladɾoke/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The word refers to a small saltwater fish.
Which one should you use?
While several terms can refer to the same species, they are often used to distinguish how the fish is prepared.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Basque Country, the term bocarte is used to refer to these small fish. In some regions of Spain, such as Andalusia, anchovies are referred to as chanquete in an informal context. boquerón is also used as a regional term, particularly in the north of Spain.
How do you pronounce it?
/anˈtʃoa/
Did you know?
- The word anchoa shares a common ancestor with the Ancient Greek word aphúē, which was used to describe 'small fry' or young fish.
- While anchoa is the general term, the word boquerón specifically refers to the fresh, often fried version of the fish, whereas anchoa usually implies the salted and cured fillet.
Examples in context
- Por la noche estaba triste porque había comido anchoas. Por la mañana el médico me animó, ¿por qué debería estar triste? Después de todo, yo me comí las anchoas, las anchoas no me comieron a mí.During the evening I've been sad as I've eaten anchovy. In the morning the doctor cheered me up. Why did I have to be sad? After all, it was I who ate the anchovy, and not the anchovy that ate me.This sentence illustrates a humorous anecdote using the word anchoa.Tatoeba #1337823 by Shishir, translation #1337829 by Eldad
- La pizza con anchoas es mi favorita.Anchovy pizza is my favorite.
- Agregue algunas anchoas al aderezo para darle un sabor intenso.Add a few anchovies to the dressing to give it an intense flavor.
- Vamos a pedir una pizza con boquerones.Let's order a pizza with anchovies.
- ¿Quieres unas tostadas con petaca?Do you want some toasts with anchovies?
- La anchoa es muy salada.The anchovy is very salty.
- ¿Prefieres la anchoa en ensalada o en pan?Do you prefer anchovy in a salad or on bread?
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are at a tapas bar.
- Alejandro¿Quieres probar esta anchoa?Do you want to try this anchovy?
- ElenaNo, prefiero el boquerón.No, I prefer the anchovy (boquerón).
- AlejandroEsta anchoa está muy fresca, Elena.This anchovy is very fresh, Elena.
- ElenaEs verdad, pero no me gusta tanto.That is true, but I don't like it as much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “anchovy” translations and entries anchoa, boquerón, bocarte, aladroque, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aladroque, anchoa, boquerón, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
