maíz
neutral, Mexico
The general word for corn is maíz. In Mexico a fresh ear of corn is an elote and the kernels served in a cup are esquites. It is also called esquite and mazorca.
Meaning: the cereal grain and its ears (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| maíz | neutral, Mexico |
| elote | corn on the cob, fresh ear, Mexico |
| esquite | corn kernels served in a cup, Mexico |
| mazorca | ear of corn |
Street vendors sell elotes on a stick with mayonnaise, cheese, chili and lime. Esquites are the same flavors served in a cup.
When do people say it?
Corn is the base of Mexican food, from tortillas to tamales, so there are many words for its forms.
Did you know?
- Mexico is considered the place where corn was first domesticated, thousands of years ago.
Examples in context
- Quiero un elote con chile y limón.I want an elote with chili and lime.
- Las tortillas se hacen con maíz.Tortillas are made from corn.
- Un esquite, por favor.One esquite, please.
Example conversation
Valeria and her father Armando walk past a street vendor in Coyoacán.
- ValeriaPapá, ¿me compras un elote?Dad, will you buy me an elote?
- ArmandoSí, ¿con todo?Yes, with everything?
- ValeriaCon mayonesa, queso y chile.With mayonnaise, cheese and chili.
