pasteles de cangrejo
/pasteles de kanɡɾexo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "crab cakes" is translated into Spanish as pasteles de cangrejo.
This phrase refers to small patties made of crab meat and other ingredients that are fried or baked.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of pasteles (cakes/pastries) and de cangrejo (of crab).
Which one should you use?
The plural form pasteles de cangrejo is used for "crab cakes", while the singular form pastel de cangrejo is used for a single "crab cake".
How do you pronounce it?
/pasteles de kanɡɾexo/
Did you know?
- The word cangrejo is used in Spanish to describe someone who is 'backward' or 'regressive' in their thinking, mirroring the crab's sideways or backward movement.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you order pasteles, you might receive sweet pastries or desserts instead of the savory seafood patties you expect. In a culinary context, 'cake' in English refers to a patty, but in Spanish, pastel leans heavily toward the sweet side.
- The word cangrejo actually contains a hidden diminutive. It is formed by taking the Old Spanish word cangro and adding the suffix -ejo, which suggests a 'little crab'.
Examples in context
- Me encantan las tortitas de cangrejo deliciosas y jugosas que preparan en ese restaurante.I love the delicious and juicy crab cakes they make at that restaurant.
- ¿Tienen tortitas de cangrejo?Do you have crab cakes?
- ¿Se venden croquetas de cangrejo aquí?Are crab cakes sold here?
- Me gustaría probar las tortitas de cangrejo, por favorI would like to try the crab cakes, please
- Quiero unas croquetas de cangrejo, por favorI want some crab cakes, please
- ¡Están deliciosas! Las tortitas de cangrejo son una exquisitez.They are delicious! Crab cakes are a delicacy.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are at a seafood restaurant.
- Javier¿Qué vas a pedir, Sofía?What are you going to order, Sofía?
- SofíaQuiero los pasteles de cangrejo.I want the crab cakes.
- JavierBuena elección, yo pediré el pescado.Good choice, I will order the fish.
- Sofía¡Me encanta la comida de este lugar!I love the food at this place!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cangrejo, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
