cocinar
/koθiˈnaɾ/
In Spanish, the word for cooking is cocinar.
When you want to refer to the general art, skill or concept of cookery, the noun la cocina is used instead.
Meaning: one's ability to prepare food, cookery (noun)
Which one should you use?
The noun cocina can refer to two different things: the physical room where food is prepared (the kitchen) or a specific style of cooking (the cuisine). To specifically refer to the skill or art of cooking, la cocina is the appropriate choice.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and certain parts of Latin America, you may hear the informal phrase hacer de comer used to express the idea of cooking.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the continuous action of cooking, such as 'I am cooking', you should use the gerund form cocinando.
How do you pronounce it?
/koθiˈnaɾ/
Did you know?
- If a dish is particularly delicious, you might say it is 'de muerte', which literally means 'of death'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, cocinar is used as slang to describe the act of manipulating or fabricating a story or a set of numbers to deceive someone.
- In Spain, someone who loves cooking as a hobby is called a cocinillas, using a diminutive that distinguishes them from a professional.
Examples in context
- Cocinar es un arte.Cooking is an art.This sentence uses cocinar to show that cooking is considered an art.Tatoeba #11695343 by Seael, translation #11416360 by Adelpa
- Le he visto cocinar.I saw you cooking.This sentence uses cocinar to describe the action of seeing someone cook.Tatoeba #2192570 by marcelostockle, translation #591201 by CK
- No me gusta cocinar.I don't like cooking.This sentence uses cocinar to express a dislike for the act of cooking.Tatoeba #4613613 by DarkHollow, translation #2738422 by CK
- Me encanta cocinar platos tradicionales.I love to cook traditional dishes.
- Debes cocinar a fuego lento para que los sabores se mezclen.You should cook on low heat to let the flavors blend.
- Ella es una experta en cocinar postres deliciosos.She is an expert at cooking delicious desserts.
- Necesito preparar comida para la fiesta esta noche.I need to cook for the party tonight.
- El chef está preparando comida gourmet en la cocina abierta.The chef is cooking gourmet food in the open kitchen.
- ¿Sabes preparar comida mexicana?Do you know how to cook Mexican food?
- ¿Vamos a cocinar juntos este fin de semana?Shall we cook together this weekend?
- No te preocupes, yo me encargo de cocinar el almuerzo.Don't worry, I'll take care of cooking lunch.
- ¡Qué bueno eres cocinando!You're so good at cooking!
- Mi abuela hace de comer los domingos.My grandmother cooks on Sundays.
- ¿Te gusta hacer de comer solo o en compañía?Do you like cooking alone or with someone?
- Mi madre guisa un delicioso potaje de garbanzos.My mother cooks a delicious chickpea stew.
- ¿Has aprendido a guisar como tu abuela?Have you learned to cook like your grandmother?
- ¿Sabes cómo asar el cordero para que quede jugoso?Do you know how to roast lamb so it stays juicy?
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are talking about their hobbies.
- SofíaMe encanta cocinar platos nuevos los domingos.I love cooking new dishes on Sundays.
- AlejandroYo no sé cocinar nada, soy un desastre.I don't know how to cook at all, I'm a disaster.
- SofíaPuedo enseñarte a cocinar cosas sencillas.I can teach you how to cook simple things.
- Alejandro¡Genial! Me gustaría aprender a cocinar contigo.Great! I would like to learn cooking with you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cocinar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
