Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| remolacha | /remoˈlat͡ʃa/ | feminine |
| beterraga | /beteˈraɡa/ | feminine |
| betabel | /betaˈbel/ | masculine |
| betarraga | /betaˈraɡa/ | feminine |
| betarrata | /betarata/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| beterava | /beteˈɾaba/ | feminine |
The word refers to the deep-red-coloured root vegetable. In some contexts, you may see remolacha roja used specifically to mean 'red beetroot' and rodajas de remolacha means 'beetroot slices'.
Which one should you use?
While several forms refer to the same vegetable, remolacha is the most widely understood term across the Spanish-speaking world. In contrast, beterraga is a more regional term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term you use depends heavily on the region. remolacha is the standard term in Spain and many parts of Latin America. In Mexico, the standard term is the masculine betabel. In the Andean region and other parts of South America, such as Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador, beterraga is frequently used. Additionally, in Argentina, Uruguay and parts of Chile, you may hear betarraga. Other regional variations include the feminine betarrata and beterava.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word remolacha is a feminine noun. To form the plural, use remolachas.
How do you pronounce it?
/remoˈlatʃa/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word remolacha is derived from a Gaulish term meaning 'about or around the sea'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the word remolacha is used colloquially to describe someone with a very red face, similar to the English 'beet-red'.
Examples in context
- Hoy tomé un extracto de beterraga.I took a beetroot extract today.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use beterraga when talking about an extract.Tatoeba #2447443 by blablabla, translation #2447448 by MethodGT
- Me gusta la remolacha rallada en las ensaladas.I like shredded beetroot in salads.
- Mi mamá siempre prepara ensalada de betabel.My mom always makes beetroot salad.
- Quiero comer ensalada de remolacha roja hoy.I want to have red beetroot salad today.
- La remolacha es muy saludable.Beetroot is very healthy.
- Prefiero la ensalada con remolacha.I prefer the salad with beetroot.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are at a local farmer's market.
- Lucía¿Quieres comprar una remolacha para la cena?Do you want to buy a beetroot for dinner?
- MateoSí, me gusta mucho el color de la remolacha.Yes, I really like the color of the beetroot.
- LucíaEntonces, vamos a buscar las mejores en el puesto.Then, let's go look for the best ones at the stall.
- MateoPerfecto, Lucía, vamos.Perfect, Lucía, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beetroot” translations and entries remolacha, beterraga, betabel, betarraga, beterava, 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 betabel, beterraga, remolacha, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
