Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| almeja | /alˈmexa/ | feminine |
| chirla | /ˈt͡ʃiɾla/ | feminine |
| amayuela | /amaʝwela/ (from spelling rules) | Spain, feminine |
| chocha | /ˈt͡ʃot͡ʃa/ | feminine |
The term refers to a mollusc. almeja is the most common and general term for a clam used across the Spanish-speaking world.
Which one should you use?
almeja is the general term for any clam, whereas chirla and amayuela are used for specific types or in specific areas. chocha is a different term entirely in common usage and should not be used for seafood.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Avoid using chocha in any context when ordering seafood, as it is used as slang for female genitalia in many Spanish-speaking countries.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Spain, chirla is used to refer to certain types of small clams. In Spain, amayuela is also a regional term for a specific type of clam.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of almeja is almejas. All these nouns are feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/alˈmexa/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using chocha to refer to a clam. In many Spanish-speaking countries, this is slang for female genitalia and using it when ordering seafood can cause embarrassment.
Did you know?
- In Galicia, the almeja babosa is a highly prized delicacy. Its name literally translates to 'slug clam' because of its uniquely slimy texture.
- The term chirla is not derived from Latin, but was borrowed into Spanish from the Basque word txirla.
- A popular way to eat these molluscs in Spain is almejas a la gallega. Instead of being served raw, they are steamed with garlic and paprika.
Examples in context
- Tom comió un tazón de sopa de almejas.Tom ate a bowl of clam chowder.This sentence shows how to use almeja in the context of soup.Tatoeba #5847516 by albrusgher, translation #1095830 by CK
- La clase más grande de almeja es la almeja gigante.The largest kind of clam is the giant clam.This sentence demonstrates the use of almeja when identifying a specific species.Tatoeba #5847521 by albrusgher, translation #4466805 by orcrist
- Hoy me gustaría probar unas almejas frescas en el restaurante.Today, I would like to try some fresh clams at the restaurant.
- Voy a preparar una paella de chirlas para la cena.I am going to prepare a clam paella for dinner.
- La almeja es muy fresca.The clam is very fresh.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are looking at a seafood menu.
- SofíaMira, tienen una pasta con almeja.Look, they have a pasta with clams.
- MateoEso suena delicioso, Sofía.That sounds delicious, Sofía.
- Sofía¿Quieres probarla conmigo?Do you want to try it with me?
- MateoSí, Mateo quiere pedir eso.Yes, Mateo wants to order that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clam” translations and entries almeja, chirla, chocha, 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 almeja, chirla, chocha, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
