Which one should you use?
While maíz is the general term, other words are used for specific contexts: elote specifically refers to corn on the cob and cancha is used for roasted corn or corn snacks in certain regions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and parts of Central America, elote is commonly used for corn, especially when it is served on the cob. In the Andean region and the Southern Cone, including countries like Peru, Bolivia and Argentina, the word choclo is frequently used for corn. In Peru, the informal term cancha refers to roasted corn or corn snacks.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of maíz is maíces, which can be used to refer to different types of corn. However, in many contexts, maíz is treated as an uncountable noun to refer to the crop in general.
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈiθ/
When do people say it?
In certain culinary contexts, you may encounter Maíz Morado, which translates to purple corn in English.
Did you know?
- Ancient Mesoamerican cultures believed humans were literally created from maíz, making the plant a sacred symbol of life and identity.
- The word cancha can refer to roasted corn in Peru, but in most other Spanish-speaking countries it refers to a sports field or court.
- The Spanish word maíz actually traces its roots back to the Taíno language of the Caribbean, rather than to Europe.
Examples in context
- No probé el maíz.I didn't try the corn.This sentence is useful for expressing that you did not try the maíz.Tatoeba #10992624 by JSKabylie, translation #10992634 by shekitten
- Soy alérgico al maíz.I'm allergic to corn.This sentence is useful for stating an allergy to maíz.Tatoeba #4428652 by Shishir, translation #4428228 by CK
- El maíz es un cereal.Corn is a cereal.This sentence is useful for defining maíz as a cereal.Tatoeba #7122233 by arh, translation #9181885 by Nylez
- El maíz es un ingrediente esencial en la comida peruana tradicional.Corn is an essential ingredient in traditional Peruvian cuisine.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are at a local street market.
- Daniel¿Está fresco el maíz?Is the corn fresh?
- SofíaSí, es de muy buena calidad.Yes, it is of very good quality.
- DanielEntonces compraré un poco.Then I will buy some.
- SofíaEs una excelente idea.It is an excellent idea.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry maíz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries maíz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
