cubitos de caldo
/kubitos de kaldo/from spelling rules
The English phrase bouillon cubes is translated into Spanish as cubitos de caldo.
This term is used specifically for the solid, concentrated blocks of stock rather than liquid broth.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cubitos (diminutive of cubos, meaning little cubes) and de caldo (of broth/stock).
Which one should you use?
While cubitos de caldo is common, you can also use the non-diminutive cubos de caldo to refer to the same product.
Did you know?
- While cubitos is the standard term, some people use the word pastilla (pill/tablet) to describe bouillon cubes because of their similar shape and size.
- The word caldo shares its roots with the Spanish word cálido, meaning 'warm', because both derive from the Latin word for 'hot'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, caldo is not just an ingredient but a category of hearty, meal-sized soups containing meat and vegetables, similar to a stew.
Examples in context
- Buenos días, ¿dónde puedo encontrar cubitos de caldo de carne?Good morning, where can I find bouillon cubes?
- ¿Tienes caldo en cubitos para la sopa?Do you have bouillon cubes for the soup?
- Necesito comprar cubitos de caldo para la sopa.I need to buy bouillon cubes for the soup.
- ¿Tienes cubitos de caldo de pollo en la despensa?Do you have chicken bouillon cubes in the pantry?
- Agregué dos cubitos de caldo para darle sabor.I added two bouillon cubes to give it flavor.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are in the kitchen preparing lunch.
- ElenaJavier, ¿hay cubitos de caldo para el arroz?Javier, are there any bouillon cubes for the rice?
- JavierCreo que quedan unos pocos en el cajón.I think there are a few left in the drawer.
- ElenaPerfecto, los usaré para sazonar todo.Perfect, I will use them to season everything.
- JavierMe parece una buena idea, Elena.I think that is a good idea, Elena.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caldo, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
