bacalao
/bakaˈlao/
The English phrase "cod fish" is translated into Spanish as bacalao.
The word bacalao is used specifically for the edible fish, often referring to the salt-cured version used in cooking.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Caribbean countries, bacalao seco is used to refer to cod fish.
How do you pronounce it?
/bakaˈlao/
Did you know?
- The word bacalao might actually be related to the Latin word baculum, meaning 'stick' or 'staff'. This is thought to describe the historical method of drying the fish on wooden sticks.
- In Spain, bacalao is so central to the culture that there is a specific ritual for 'soaking' the salt-cured fish for days before cooking it.
- While bacalao describes the fish, Spanish has a specific term for the process of desalinating it, called desalar.
Examples in context
- María compró bacalao fresco en el mercado para preparar una deliciosa comida.María bought fresh cod fish at the market to prepare a delicious meal.
- 500 gramos de pescado blanco (merluza o bacalao)500 grams of white fish (hake or cod fish)
- bacalao con tomateCod with tomato sauce
- El bacalao es muy rico.The cod is very delicious.
- Compré bacalao fresco en el mercado.I bought fresh cod at the market.
- ¿Prefieres pollo o bacalao?Do you prefer chicken or cod?
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are deciding what to cook for dinner.
- Lucía¿Qué vamos a cenar hoy, Javier?What are we having for dinner today, Javier?
- JavierTengo bacalao en la nevera.I have some cod in the fridge.
- Lucía¡Perfecto! Me encanta el bacalao.Perfect! I love cod.
- JavierEntonces lo prepararé ahora mismo.Then I will prepare it right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bacalao, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bacalao, CC BY-SA 4.0.
