carnitas
/kaɾnitas/from spelling rules
carnitas is the Spanish word for a traditional Mexican dish of slow-cooked pork.
carnitas refers to a popular dish consisting of pork that has been cooked slowly until tender. It is the most common way to refer to this dish in any context.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a diminutive of carne (meat), literally translating to "little meats" in English.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term carnitas is used in all regions across the country.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾnitas/
Did you know?
- Traditional carnitas are cooked in large copper pots called cazos, which are believed to distribute heat more evenly than modern steel pots.
- While carnitas are associated with Mexico, the slow-cooking technique in lard is a legacy of the Spanish confitar method used to preserve meat.
- The word carne in carnitas shares a common ancestor with the English word 'carnivore', coming from the Latin word carnem.
Examples in context
- Me gustan mucho las carnitas.I really like carnitas.
- Pidieron carnitas para el almuerzo.They ordered carnitas for lunch.
- Estas carnitas están muy sabrosas.These carnitas are very tasty.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are deciding what to eat at a restaurant.
- Alejandro¿Quieres comer tacos de carnitas?Do you want to eat carnitas tacos?
- SofíaSí, me encantan las carnitas.Yes, I love carnitas.
- AlejandroPerfecto, vamos a pedir dos órdenes.Perfect, let's order two servings.
- Sofía¡Qué buena idea, Alejandro!What a great idea, Alejandro!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carnitas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
