laurel
/lauˈɾel/
The English phrase "bay leaf" is laurel in Spanish.
laurel refers to the bay leaf herb used in cooking. When you need to refer to more than one leaf, use the plural form hojas de laurel.
Meaning: herb (noun)
Which one should you use?
laurel is the standard term for a single bay leaf or the herb itself, while hojas de laurel is specifically used to denote multiple leaves.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun laurel is masculine, so you should use the masculine article el (el laurel).
How do you pronounce it?
/lauˈɾel/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a laurel leaf is sometimes placed in a wallet or purse as a traditional charm to attract money and prosperity.
- The word laurel shares an ancient root with the English word 'laureate', which describes a person honored with a crown of laurel leaves.
- The word laurel is used in the Spanish expression dormirse en los laureles, which means to become complacent after achieving success.
Examples in context
- Necesito laurel, por favorI need bay leaf, please
- Agrega una hoja de laurel al caldo para realzar su saborAdd a bay leaf to the broth to enhance its flavor
- Me encanta el aroma que aporta el laurel a las preparaciones culinariasI love the aroma that bay leaf brings to culinary preparations
- La receta original pedía hojita de laurel, pero utilicé hoja de laurel y el resultado fue excelenteThe original recipe called for a small bay leaf, but I used a regular bay leaf, and the result was excellent
- Añade una hoja de laurel a la sopa.Add one bay leaf to the soup.
- El laurel le da buen sabor a la sopa.The bay leaf gives the soup a good flavor.
- Necesito una hoja de laurel para el guiso.I need a bay leaf for the stew.
- Añade un poco de laurel al caldo.Add a little bay leaf to the broth.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are cooking together in the kitchen.
- Alejandro¿Tienes laurel en la despensa?Do you have any bay leaf in the pantry?
- MaríaSí, tengo un poco para la receta.Yes, I have a little for the recipe.
- AlejandroPerfecto, ponle una hoja al arroz.Perfect, put one leaf in the rice.
- MaríaEstá bien, lo haré ahora mismo.Okay, I will do it right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bay leaf” translations and entries laurel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries laurel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
