parrillada
/pariˈʝada/
The Spanish word for cookout is parrillada.
The term parrillada is used to describe both the social event itself and the act of grilling food. It typically refers to a social gathering where food is cooked and eaten outdoors, often involving a grill.
Which one should you use?
While parrillada refers to the social event or a variety of grilled meats, parrilla refers specifically to the physical metal grill used for cooking.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, parrillada is a common way to refer to a cookout, emphasizing the traditional Argentine barbecue style. In many South American countries, particularly Argentina and Uruguay, the term asado is actually more common for a cookout.
How do you pronounce it?
/pariˈʝada/
Did you know?
- While parrillada is widely understood, a person in Mexico might more naturally use the word carne asada to invite friends to a cookout.
- The suffix -ada in parrillada is used here to transform a noun into a word that describes a collective action or a large quantity of something.
- In some regions, a parrillada is not just a casual cookout but is treated as a formal culinary tradition with specific etiquette regarding when the meat is served.
Examples in context
- ¿Te apetece una parrillada en mi casa este domingo? Podemos disfrutar del buen tiempo y la buena compañía.Would you like a cookout at my place this Sunday? We can enjoy the good weather and good company.
- Vamos a hacer una parrillada en el jardín.We are going to have a cookout in the garden.
- La parrillada de ayer estuvo deliciosa.Yesterday's cookout was delicious.
- ¿Te gustaría venir a nuestra parrillada el sábado?Would you like to come to our cookout on Saturday?
Example conversation
María and Javier are talking about their weekend plans over the phone.
- MaríaHola Javier, ¿quieres venir a una parrillada el domingo?Hello Javier, do you want to come to a cookout on Sunday?
- Javier¡Claro! Me encanta una buena parrillada.Of course! I love a good cookout.
- MaríaTraeré mucha carne y bebida para todos.I will bring plenty of meat and drinks for everyone.
- JavierPerfecto, yo llevaré el postre.Perfect, I will bring the dessert.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry parrillada, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries parrillada, CC BY-SA 4.0.
