pimienta de Cayena
/piˌmjenta de kaˈʝena/feminine
The English phrase "cayenne pepper" is translated into Spanish as pimienta de Cayena.
The term refers to the hot chilli pepper.
Meaning: hot chilli pepper (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions of Spain, particularly in the Basque Country, the term Guindilla is used to refer to cayenne pepper. In parts of South America, particularly Argentina and Uruguay, pimentón is the term used for cayenne pepper.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase pimienta de Cayena is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/piˌmjenta de kaˈʝena/
Did you know?
- The word pimienta actually shares its roots with the English word 'pigment', tracing back to the Latin 'pigmentum' which meant 'color'.
- Spanish speakers often distinguish between pimienta for peppercorns and pimiento for the larger pepper pods.
- In some Latin American culinary contexts, pimienta may be avoided when referring to chillies to prevent confusion with black pepper, which is also pimienta.
Examples in context
- Añade un poco de pimienta de Cayena.Add a little cayenne pepper.
- Esta pimienta de Cayena es muy fuerte.This cayenne pepper is very strong.
- Compré pimienta de Cayena en el mercado.I bought cayenne pepper at the market.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are cooking in the kitchen.
- Alejandro¿Necesitas la pimienta de Cayena para la sopa?Do you need the cayenne pepper for the soup?
- ElenaSí, Alejandro, por favor pásamela.Yes, Alejandro, please pass it to me.
- AlejandroAquí tienes la pimienta de Cayena.Here is the cayenne pepper.
- ElenaGracias, ahora la sopa tendrá más sabor.Thanks, now the soup will have more flavor.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cayenne pepper” translations and entries pimienta de Cayena, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cayena, de, pimienta, pimienta de Cayena, CC BY-SA 4.0.
