bistec
/bisˈtek/
The English phrase "beef steak" is translated into Spanish as bistec.
The term refers to a thick slice of beef used as a piece of meat for cooking.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the term bife de chorizo is used to refer to a sirloin steak. In Spain, solomillo is a popular term for a filet mignon or tenderloin steak.
How do you pronounce it?
/bisˈtek/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say filete de vaca when they mean a steak. While understandable, bistec or filete is the more natural term for the cut of meat.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word bistec is an orthographic adaptation of the English 'beefsteak', written to match how an English speaker would pronounce it using Spanish spelling rules.
- In some Latin American countries, a bistec is expected to be a thin slice of meat that has been marinated, rather than a thick cut.
Examples in context
- Quisiera un bistec de res bien cocido, por favor.I'd like a well-done beef steak, please.
- ¿Me pasas un bistec? Quiero probarlo.Can you pass me a beef steak? I want to try it.
- Hoy voy a disfrutar de un delicioso bife de chorizo.Today I'm going to enjoy a delicious sirloin steak.
- El solomillo a la pimienta es uno de mis platos favoritos.Peppered filet mignon is one of my favorite dishes.
- El bistec está muy jugoso.The beef steak is very juicy.
- Compré un bistec para la cena.I bought a beef steak for dinner.
- ¿Quieres un bistec con papas?Do you want a beef steak with potatoes?
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- DanielElena, ¿qué quieres comer hoy?Elena, what do you want to eat today?
- ElenaTengo ganas de comer un bistec.I feel like eating a beef steak.
- DanielPerfecto, yo prepararé el bistec a la plancha.Perfect, I will prepare the beef steak on the grill.
- ElenaMuchas gracias, Daniel.Thank you very much, Daniel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bistec, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bistec, CC BY-SA 4.0.
