Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| berro chino | /bero t͡ʃino/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| repollo chino | /repoʝo t͡ʃino/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| col china | /ˌkol ˈt͡ʃina/ | feminine |
The phrase refers to the vegetable known as Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa chinensis). In many Spanish-speaking culinary contexts, the English name bok choy is also used and understood.
What does it mean word for word?
The term berro chino literally translates to "Chinese watercress".
Which one should you use?
While berro chino is the default term, you may also see repollo chino or col china used to describe this vegetable. Additionally, the English term bok choy is often used directly in culinary settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions of Mexico, bok choy can be referred to as acelga oriental. In parts of Argentina, it may be called acelga china.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term col china is a feminine noun phrase, so any accompanying adjectives must be feminine as well. The forms berro chino and repollo chino are masculine.
Did you know?
Example sentences for Spanish are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are grocery shopping together.
- ElenaAlejandro, ¿dónde está el berro chino?Alejandro, where is the bok choy?
- AlejandroEstá allí, junto a las otras verduras.It is there, next to the other vegetables.
- ElenaPerfecto, llevaré dos para la receta.Perfect, I will take two for the recipe.
- AlejandroMuy bien, Elena. Vamos a pagar.Very well, Elena. Let's go pay.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bok choy” translations and entries berro chino, repollo chino, col china, 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 berro, chino, col, repollo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
