panecillo
/paneˈθiʝo/
The English phrase "bread roll" is translated into Spanish as panecillo.
The term panecillo refers specifically to a small-sized bread roll.
Meaning: miniature round loaf of bread (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a diminutive of pan (bread), combining pan with the suffix -cillo (little/small).
Which one should you use?
You may encounter other forms like panecito or pancito, which are diminutives used to denote a smaller size or to express affection.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term bolillo is commonly used to refer to a type of bread roll used for sandwiches or enjoyed with meals. In Spain, especially in the northern regions, such as Galicia and Asturias, bollo is commonly used to refer to a bread roll, though bollo is often used as a synonym for a bread roll or bun in many Spanish-speaking regions.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of panecillo is panecillos.
How do you pronounce it?
/paneˈθiʝo/
Did you know?
- The Mexican bolillo is specifically shaped like a torpedo, and its name comes from the word bolillo, which also refers to a small chisel used in masonry.
- The root of panecillo comes from the Latin pānis, which is a distant relative of the English word 'pantry'.
- In some Caribbean Spanish dialects, a bread roll may be called a pan de agua, meaning 'water bread', to distinguish it from sweeter varieties.
Examples in context
- Para la cena, serviremos unos deliciosos panecillos recién horneados.For dinner, we will serve some delicious freshly baked bread rolls.
- Me gustaría un panecito con mantequilla, por favor.I would like a bread roll with butter, please.
- Vamos a la panadería, quiero comprar unos pancitos para la merienda.Let's go to the bakery, I want to buy some bread rolls for snack.
- Prefiero los bolillos frescos y crujientes para hacer mis tortas de carnitas.I prefer fresh and crunchy bread rolls to make my carnitas sandwiches.
- El panecillo está muy fresco.The bread roll is very fresh.
- Compré un panecillo para el desayuno.I bought a bread roll for breakfast.
- Necesito un panecillo para el sándwich.I need a bread roll for the sandwich.
Example conversation
At a local bakery in the morning.
- María¿Tiene un panecillo de avena?Do you have an oat bread roll?
- MateoSí, este panecillo es delicioso.Yes, this bread roll is delicious.
- MaríaMe llevaré ese panecillo, por favor.I will take that bread roll, please.
- MateoMuy bien, María. Aquí tiene.Very well, María. Here you go.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry panecillo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries panecillo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
