caldo
/ˈkaldo/
caldo is the Spanish word for broth.
caldo means broth or stock. It is commonly used to refer to a restorative or medicinal broth served when someone is ill. A similar term, puchero, refers to a traditional hearty soup or stew made with meat and vegetables.
What does it mean word for word?
The word caldo literally means broth or stock.
Which one should you use?
While caldo refers specifically to the liquid broth or stock, sopa is used for the finished dish which may include solids like noodles or vegetables.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkaldo/
Did you know?
- The word caldo shares a root with the English word 'caloric', as both trace back to the Latin concept of heat and energy.
- The term caldo de gallina is often treated as a cultural symbol of maternal care and healing in Latin American households, regardless of the patient's actual illness.
- In some regions, a 'caldo de piedra' refers to a specific way of preparing broth that relies on heat retention rather than just boiling.
Examples in context
- ¿Me preparas un caldito bien calentito?Can you make me a nice and hot caldito?
- Hice el arroz con caldo de pollo caseroI made the rice with homemade chicken broth
- Este caldo tiene mucho sabor.This broth has a lot of flavor.
- Me gusta el caldo de pollo.I like chicken broth.
- Necesito un caldo para la sopa.I need a broth for the soup.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are having lunch at home.
- Daniel¿Te gusta el caldo, Elena?Do you like the broth, Elena?
- ElenaSí, este caldo está muy rico.Yes, this broth is very delicious.
- DanielMe alegra que te guste.I'm glad you like it.
- ElenaGracias por prepararlo, Daniel.Thanks for preparing it, Daniel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry caldo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caldo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
