hoja de maíz
/oxa de maiθ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "corn husk" is translated into Spanish as hoja de maíz.
This phrase refers to the outer leafy covering of an ear of corn.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of hoja (leaf), de (of) and maíz (corn).
Which one should you use?
hoja de maíz is the singular form used for one husk, while las hojas de maíz is used when referring to multiple husks.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to multiple husks, make the noun hoja plural to form las hojas de maíz.
Did you know?
- Because hoja is the general word for 'leaf', it is used in the Spanish term for a 'razor blade', which is hoja de afeitar.
- In Mexico and Central America, hojas de maíz are used as natural wrappers to steam traditional tamales, acting as both a cooking vessel and a serving plate.
- The word maíz is not of European origin, but was borrowed into Spanish from the Taíno language of the Caribbean.
Examples in context
- ¿Sabes dónde puedo conseguir tusas para hacer manualidades?Do you know where I can get corn husks for crafting?
- Hoy voy a cocinar tamales envueltos en tusas.Today I'm going to cook tamales wrapped in corn husks.
- Usa las hojas de maíz para hacer tamales.Use the corn husks to make tamales.
- La hoja de maíz está muy seca.The corn husk is very dry.
- Necesito una hoja de maíz para el tamal.I need a corn husk for the tamale.
- Quita la hoja de maíz con cuidado.Remove the corn husk carefully.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are preparing food in the kitchen.
- Lucía¿Puedes limpiar la hoja de maíz, Daniel?Can you clean the corn husk, Daniel?
- DanielSí, yo la limpio ahora mismo.Yes, I will clean it right now.
- LucíaGracias, esa hoja de maíz es muy grande.Thanks, that corn husk is very large.
- DanielEs perfecta para nuestro tamal.It is perfect for our tamale.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, hoja, maíz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
