malanga
/malanɡa/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for cocoyam is malanga.
The term refers to a starchy root vegetable from the Araceae family used in cooking.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Ecuador, cocoyam is known as malanga. In Venezuela, the Spanish term for this vegetable is ocumo.
How do you pronounce it?
/malanɡa/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish speaking regions, the term malanga brava identifies varieties of cocoyam that are toxic if eaten raw, using the word brava to mean 'fierce' rather than 'brave'.
- While many people use the term malanga globally, in parts of the Caribbean like Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic, you might hear it called ñame by mistake, even though ñame actually refers to a completely different species of yam.
- While malanga and ocumo both translate to 'cocoyam', speakers in the Caribbean and South America often use these different words to distinguish between specific botanical species of the root.
Examples in context
- En esta región cultivamos tañá, una planta autóctona rica en nutrientes.In this region, we cultivate cocoyam, a native plant rich in nutrients.
- La malanga es muy sabrosa.The cocoyam is very tasty.
- Necesito comprar malanga en el mercado.I need to buy cocoyam at the market.
- ¿Prefieres la malanga o la yuca?Do you prefer cocoyam or cassava?
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are planning a meal at home.
- LucíaMateo, ¿podemos cocinar malanga para la cena?Mateo, can we cook cocoyam for dinner?
- MateoSí, Lucía, me encanta la malanga.Yes, Lucía, I love cocoyam.
- LucíaEntonces iré a buscarla ahora mismo.Then I will go look for it right now.
- MateoPerfecto, yo prepararé la mesa.Perfect, I will set the table.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
