Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ceviche | /θeˈbit͡ʃe/ /seˈbit͡ʃe/ |
masculine, alternative form |
| cebiche | /θeˈbit͡ʃe/ /seˈbit͡ʃe/ |
masculine |
| seviche | /sebit͡ʃe/ (from spelling rules) | masculine, alternative form |
| sebiche | /sebit͡ʃe/ (from spelling rules) | masculine, alternative form |
This term refers to a dish consisting of raw seafood that has been marinated in an acidic medium. You can use it to specify ingredients or origins, such as Ceviche de pescado for fish ceviche or Ceviche peruano to refer specifically to the Peruvian version.
Which one should you use?
While all these forms refer to the same dish, the preferred spelling varies. ceviche is the most common form used throughout Latin America, particularly in Peru and Ecuador. cebiche is the preferred spelling in Peru. In parts of Central America and Mexico, seviche is the preferred spelling and pronunciation. sebiche is an alternative spelling of cebiche.
Is it said differently in some regions?
ceviche is the most common form in Latin America, especially in Peru and Ecuador. In Peru and some parts of Chile, a similar dish of thinly sliced fish or seafood served with a spicy sauce is called tiradito.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a masculine noun, so it is used with the masculine article el (e.g., el ceviche).
How do you pronounce it?
/θeˈbitʃe/
Did you know?
- In Peru, the leftover liquid from the marinade is affectionately called leche de tigre, which translates to 'tiger's milk'.
- Some linguists believe the name traces back to the ancient Persian dish 'sikbāj', which consisted of meat cooked in vinegar.
- In Peru, ceviche is often enjoyed as a breakfast or lunch dish rather than a dinner entrée.
Examples in context
- Hoy probé un ceviche delicioso en el restaurante.Today I tried a delicious ceviche at the restaurant.
- El ceviche está muy picante.The ceviche is very spicy.
- Quiero comer un ceviche de pescado.I want to eat a fish ceviche.
- Este ceviche tiene mucho limón.This ceviche has a lot of lemon.
Example conversation
At a coastal restaurant during lunch.
- Javier¿Recomiendas el ceviche de hoy?Do you recommend today's ceviche?
- SofíaSí, el ceviche es excelente aquí.Yes, the ceviche is excellent here.
- JavierPerfecto, pediré uno para mí.Perfect, I will order one for myself.
- SofíaTe va a encantar, Javier.You are going to love it, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ceviche” translations and entries ceviche, cebiche, seviche, sebiche, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cebiche, CC BY-SA 4.0.
