engordar
/enɡoɾˈdaɾ/
To cake up in Spanish is engordar.
The phrase engordar is used to describe the process of gaining weight or becoming fatter.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used to describe a person gaining weight, engordar functions as an intransitive verb.
How do you pronounce it?
/enɡoɾˈdaɾ/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, telling someone estás engordando is sometimes intended as a compliment to one's health or prosperity rather than a criticism.
- The core of the verb is the word gordo, which also means 'thick' or 'wide' when describing objects like books or lines.
- If you want to say something 'fattened up' a sauce or a liquid, you can also use engordar, showing the verb applies to both people and food textures.
Examples in context
- Este fin de semana voy a hacer un queque de zanahoria.This weekend, I'm going to make a carrot cake.
- Esa comida te va a engordar.That food is going to make you fat.
- No quiero engordar durante las vacaciones.I don't want to gain weight during the holidays.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are talking about their eating habits at a restaurant.
- Elena¿Vas a pedir postre, Javier?Are you going to order dessert, Javier?
- JavierNo, no quiero engordar.No, I don't want to gain weight.
- ElenaSolo es un trozo pequeño de pastel.It is only a small piece of cake.
- JavierMejor paso, prefiero no engordar más.Better not, I prefer not to get any fatter.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry engordar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
