chipirón
/t͡ʃipiɾon/from spelling rules
The English phrase "baby squid" is translated into Spanish as chipirón.
chipirón refers to a small species of squid that is used as food.
Which one should you use?
While calamar refers to a standard squid, chipirón specifically denotes the smaller, younger version.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, especially in coastal regions, the term chipirón is used to refer to this specific seafood. The term 'Chipirón/Chipirónito' is widely used in Spain to refer to baby squids.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of chipirón is chipirones.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃipiɾon/
Did you know?
- In some parts of Spain, chipirones are traditionally prepared as chipirones en su tinta, where the squid are cooked in their own natural black ink.
- The word chipirón is almost exclusively associated with the Mediterranean and Cantabrian coasts, and using it in parts of the Americas might be met with confusion as they often use different terms for small cephalopods.
- In certain parts of Spain, the diminutive form chipironcito is used not just to describe size, but to evoke a sense of culinary affection or a particularly delicate preparation.
Examples in context
- El chipirón es muy fresco.The baby squid is very fresh.
- Me gustaría pedir un chipirón frito.I would like to order fried baby squid.
- ¿Traes el chipirón para la cena?Are you bringing the baby squid for dinner?
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are at a seafood restaurant.
- Alejandro¿Qué chipirón recomiendas hoy?Which baby squid do you recommend today?
- ElenaEl chipirón a la plancha es excelente.The grilled baby squid is excellent.
- AlejandroPerfecto, pediré ese plato.Perfect, I will order that dish.
- ElenaBuenísima elección, Alejandro.Great choice, Alejandro.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chipirón, 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.
