maíz
general
In Venezuela the general word for corn is maíz, but fresh corn on the cob is called jojoto. The cob itself can also be called mazorca.
Meaning: cereal grain and its cob (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| maíz | general |
| Jojoto | fresh corn, Venezuela |
| Mazorca | cob |
Use maíz for the grain, the plant and the flour. Use jojoto when you mean the tender fresh corn that is boiled or grilled.
Which one should you use?
Dried and ground corn becomes harina de maíz, the base of Venezuelan arepas. Jojoto is the word to ask for at a street stand that sells boiled corn.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In other countries you may hear choclo or elote for fresh corn. In Venezuela jojoto is the word.
Did you know?
- Jojoto is a typical Venezuelan word that people from other Spanish speaking countries often do not recognize.
Examples in context
- Voy a comprar maíz para las arepas.I am going to buy corn for the arepas.
- Me comí un jojoto con queso.I ate a corn on the cob with cheese.
- La mazorca está muy dulce.The cob is very sweet.
Example conversation
Rosa asks a vendor at a roadside stand for corn.
- RosaBuenas tardes. ¿Tiene jojotos?Good afternoon. Do you have fresh corn?
- VendedorSí, recién cocidos.Yes, just boiled.
- RosaDeme dos, por favor.Give me two, please.
