canela
/kaˈnela/
canela is the Spanish word for cinnamon.
Metaphorically, in some Latin American countries, canela can be used to refer to someone with a light or reddish-brown skin tone.
What does it mean word for word?
The word canela literally means cinnamon.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈnela/
Did you know?
- During the colonial era, the trade of canela was so guarded by the Portuguese and Spanish that they invented myths about cinnamon nests guarded by giant birds to deter competitors.
- In Spain, the phrase ser la canela en rama is used to describe someone or something that is exceptionally high quality or 'the real deal'.
- The word canela is an etymological traveler that originates from the Akkadian word qanûm, meaning 'reed' or 'cane'.
Examples in context
- ¿Lleva canela?Does it have cinnamon?
- La canela tiene un sabor dulce y especiadoCinnamon has a sweet and spicy flavor
- Añade una pizca de canelaAdd a pinch of cinnamon
- Esparce canela en la superficieSprinkle cinnamon on the surface
- Me gusta el sabor de la canela.I like the taste of cinnamon.
- ¿Quieres un poco de canela en tu café?Do you want a little cinnamon in your coffee?
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are preparing a dessert in the kitchen.
- ElenaJavier, ¿tienes un poco de canela?Javier, do you have some cinnamon?
- JavierSí, la tengo aquí en la despensa.Yes, I have it here in the pantry.
- ElenaPerfecto, vamos a ponerle canela al postre.Perfect, let's put some cinnamon on the dessert.
- JavierBuena idea, le dará un toque especial.Good idea, it will give it a special touch.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry canela, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries canela, CC BY-SA 4.0.
