aguja de res
/aɡuxa de ɾes/from spelling rules
The English phrase "chuck roast" is aguja de res in Spanish.
A chuck roast is a cut of beef from the shoulder of the cow. Because this cut contains connective tissue, it is primarily used for slow-cooking, stews or pot roasts.
What does it mean word for word?
The word aguja literally means "needle", but in a culinary context, it refers to the shoulder area of the animal.
Which one should you use?
If the roast is specifically from a younger cow (veal), you would use aguja de ternera instead of aguja de res.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some South American countries, such as Colombia and Venezuela, the term agujas de res is used as an informal way to say "beef chuck".
How do you pronounce it?
/aɡuxa de ɾes/
Did you know?
- The word res is not originally a word for an animal, but descends from the Latin word for 'thing' or 'property'.
- In some regions, this same cut of beef is known as diezmillo, a term that does not share the 'needle' imagery of aguja.
- Although many dictionaries suggest res comes from the Arabic word for 'head', most linguists reject this because the phonetic structure of the Spanish word does not match the Arabic source.
Examples in context
- Necesito comprar aguja de res para el guiso.I need to buy chuck roast for the stew.
- La aguja de res es perfecta para la olla de presión.Chuck roast is perfect for the pressure cooker.
- Ese corte de aguja de res es muy suave.That cut of chuck roast is very tender.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are at the butcher shop.
- Javier¿Tiene aguja de res fresca hoy?Do you have fresh chuck roast today?
- SofíaSí, tenemos una pieza muy buena, señor.Yes, we have a very good piece, sir.
- JavierEntonces, deme un kilo de esa aguja de res.Then, give me one kilo of that chuck roast.
- SofíaCon gusto, aquí tiene su pedido.With pleasure, here is your order.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
