caldo
/ˈkaldo/masculine
The Spanish word for broth is caldo.
Caldo refers to the water in which food, such as meat or vegetables, has been boiled.
Meaning: water in which food (meat or vegetable etc) has been boiled (noun)
Which one should you use?
While caldo is the standard term, you may encounter caldito or caldillo when referring to smaller or more specific portions. In certain Latin American countries like Argentina and Chile, the term consomé is used specifically to describe a clear, strained broth.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Caldillo is an informal term common in Mexico and parts of Central America. In countries such as Argentina and Chile, consomé is used for clear, strained broth.
How does it change in a sentence?
Caldo is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkaldo/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, caldo de piedra is a traditional soup where red-hot stones are dropped directly into the liquid to boil it instantly.
- The word caldo shares a common ancestor with the English word 'warm' or 'hot' through the Latin word cálido.
- The diminutive caldito is frequently used to express affection or emotional comfort toward the person being served, regardless of the portion size.
Examples in context
- Calienta medio litro de caldo.Heat half a liter of broth.This example shows how to use caldo when discussing heating a specific volume.Tatoeba #6819357 by arh, translation #7037825 by Goatstein
- El caldo hay que verterlo despacio.The broth must be poured slowly.This sentence demonstrates the use of caldo when describing how it should be poured.Tatoeba #8687897 by arh, translation #9189278 by DJ_Saidez
- ¡Amo el caldo!I love broth!This sentence expresses a personal preference using caldo.Tatoeba #9189858 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #9189860 by rafaeldejesus8199
- El caldo de pollo es una deliciosa opción para las noches frías.Chicken broth is a delicious option for cold nights.
- Mi abuela prepara una deliciosa sopa de verduras.My grandmother makes a delicious vegetable broth/soup.
- Para curar el resfriado de mi hermana, le preparé un caldito de pollo.To cure my sister's cold, I made her a comforting chicken broth.
- En la costa de México, es común tomar un caldillo de pescado en el desayuno.On the Mexican coast, it's common to have a small fish broth for breakfast.
- En Argentina, el consomé de gallina es una opción muy popular en los restaurantes.In Argentina, chicken consomé is a very popular choice in restaurants.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are cooking together in the kitchen.
- Lucía¿Necesitas más caldo para la receta, Alejandro?Do you need more broth for the recipe, Alejandro?
- AlejandroSí, por favor, pásame el caldo.Yes, please, pass me the broth.
- LucíaAquí tienes, espero que sea suficiente.Here you go, I hope it is enough.
- AlejandroGracias, Lucía, el caldo huele muy bien.Thanks, Lucía, the broth smells very good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “broth” translations and entries caldo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caldo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
