hojas de laurel
/oxas de lauɾel/from spelling rules
The English phrase "bay leaves" is translated into Spanish as hojas de laurel.
This phrase refers to the aromatic dried leaves of the bay laurel tree used as a seasoning in cooking.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of hojas (leaves), de (of) and laurel (bay laurel).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the term laurel seco is used to refer specifically to dried bay leaves.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a single bay leaf, use the singular form hoja de laurel.
Did you know?
- While hojas de laurel are a staple in Spanish cooking, some people in Spain believe that keeping a laurel leaf in a wallet brings good luck and attracts money.
- In Spanish culture, the laurel is often seen as a symbol of victory and success, a tradition dating back to the Roman Empire's use of laurel wreaths for conquerors.
- In Spanish, the word laurel refers specifically to the bay laurel, but it is often confused by English speakers with the 'cherry laurel', which is toxic and cannot be used for cooking.
Examples in context
- Asegúrate de retirar el laurel antes de servir el plato.Make sure to remove the bay leaf before serving the dish.
- Añade dos hojas de laurel al guiso.Add two bay leaves to the stew.
- Añade las hojas de laurel al guiso.Add the bay leaves to the stew.
- Necesito comprar un paquete de hojas de laurel.I need to buy a pack of bay leaves.
- No olvides quitar las hojas de laurel antes de servir.Don't forget to remove the bay leaves before serving.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are preparing a meal together in the kitchen.
- MateoLucía, ¿tienes hojas de laurel en la cocina?Lucía, do you have bay leaves in the kitchen?
- LucíaSí, están en el armario de las especias.Yes, they are in the spice cupboard.
- MateoPerfecto, voy a poner un par en la olla.Perfect, I'm going to put a couple in the pot.
- LucíaNo olvides quitarlas antes de servir la cena.Don't forget to remove them before serving dinner.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
