chocolate
everyday, neutral
Chocolate is chocolate in Mexican Spanish, spelled the same as in English. Hot chocolate is chocolate caliente, or simply chocolate. It is also called chocolatito.
Meaning: a cocoa food or drink (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| chocolate | everyday, neutral |
| chocolate caliente | drink |
| chocolatito | diminutive |
In Mexico un chocolate often means a cup of hot chocolate, not a candy bar. For a candy bar, say una barra de chocolate.
How do you pronounce it?
The stress is on the second to last syllable: cho-co-LA-te.
When do people say it?
Mexican hot chocolate is traditionally whisked with a wooden tool called a molinillo until it is frothy.
Did you know?
- Oaxaca is well known in Mexico for its chocolate, often ground with sugar and cinnamon.
Examples in context
- Quiero un chocolate caliente.I want a hot chocolate.
- Me regalaron chocolates.They gave me chocolates.
- El pan dulce va bien con chocolate.Sweet bread goes well with hot chocolate.
Example conversation
Beatriz and her grandson Emi order drinks on a cold morning in Oaxaca.
- Beatriz¿Qué quieres tomar, Emi?What do you want to drink, Emi?
- EmiUn chocolate, abuela.A hot chocolate, grandma.
- BeatrizCon pan, ¿verdad?With bread, right?
