Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| polvo de hornear | /polbo de oɾneaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| royal | /roˈʝal/ /ˈrojal/ |
Latin America, masculine |
| bequenpaura | /bekemˈpauɾa/ | masculine |
| róyal | /roʝal/ (from spelling rules) | Latin America, masculine |
| polvo gasificante | /polbo ɡasifikante/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| levadura química | /lebaduɾa kimika/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| polvo para enhornar | /polbo paɾa enoɾnaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| polvo para ahornar | /polbo paɾa aoɾnaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
This term refers to the dry chemical leavening agent used in baking. It is important to distinguish it from yeast, as the word levadura specifically refers to yeast rather than the chemical agent.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase polvo de hornear literally translates to 'powder for baking'.
Which one should you use?
While polvo de hornear is a general term, other forms exist depending on the specific context or location. In some instances, you may see polvo para enhornar or polvo para ahornar. In a technical sense, polvo gasificante may also be used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Regional variations for baking powder include: – In Argentina, polvo de hornear is common, but polvo para leudar is also used as an alternative. – In Mexico, polvo para hornear is commonly used and the term royal is also used as a synonym for baking powder.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form polvo de hornear is a masculine noun. The term levadura química is feminine.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the word levadura when you mean the chemical leavening agent. levadura refers to yeast, whereas you should use polvo de hornear for baking powder.
Did you know?
- The term bequenpaura exists in some Spanish-speaking regions as a phonetic transliteration of the English phrase 'baking powder'.
- In many parts of Latin America, the brand name 'Royal' has become a genericized trademark, so people often simply ask for Royal instead of the descriptive polvo de hornear.
- The Spanish word hornear is derived from the Latin word 'furnus', which is the same ancestor for the English word 'furnace'.
Examples in context
- Para hacer este pastel se necesita polvo de hornear y mantequilla sin sal.In order to make this cake you need baking powder and unsalted butter.This sentence shows the ingredients needed for a cake using polvo de hornear.Tatoeba #3270702 by cueyayotl, translation #1166488 by Chrikaru
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar levadura en polvo para mis recetas?Where can I find baking powder for my recipes?
- Prueba usando polvo para hornear en lugar de levadura en tus muffins.Try using baking powder instead of yeast in your muffins.
- No encuentro el polvo de hornear en la cocina.I can't find the baking powder in the kitchen.
- ¿Tienes un poco de polvo de hornear?Do you have some baking powder?
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are baking a cake together.
- DanielElena, ¿dónde está el polvo de hornear?Elena, where is the baking powder?
- ElenaEstá en la alacena, junto a la harina.It is in the pantry, next to the flour.
- DanielNo encuentro el bote de polvo de hornear.I can't find the baking powder jar.
- ElenaMira detrás del azúlar, ahí está.Look behind the sugar, there it is.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “baking powder” translations and entries polvo de hornear, royal, bequenpaura, 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 bequenpaura, de, hornear, polvo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
