mortadela
/moɾtaˈdela/
The Spanish word for bologna is mortadela.
Meaning: city (name)
How do you pronounce it?
/moɾtaˈdela/
Did you know?
- The word mortadela shares an etymological root with the Italian 'mortadella', which is believed to come from the Latin 'morta', referring to death or a mallet.
- In various Latin American markets, a sandwich de mortadela is often a quintessential 'working class' snack, contrasting with the gourmet image of Italian 'mortadella'.
- Unlike English, where 'bologna' is both a city and a meat, Spanish uses two entirely different words: Bolonia for the location and mortadela for the food.
Examples in context
- La mortadela es un embutido muy popular en diferentes partes del mundo. Últimamente, he estado experimentando recetas con mortadela rellena de aceitunas y queso.Bologna is a widely popular cold cut in different parts of the world. Lately, I have been experimenting with recipes using bologna stuffed with olives and cheese.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are discussing their travel plans.
- MaríaVoy a viajar a mortadela el lunes.I am traveling to Bologna on Monday.
- Mateo¡Qué bien! ¿Vas sola, María?That's great! Are you going alone, María?
- MaríaNo, voy con mi hermano a mortadela.No, I am going to Bologna with my brother.
- MateoQue tengan un buen viaje.Have a great trip.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mortadela, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mortadela, CC BY-SA 4.0.
