plato
/ˈplato/masculine
The English word 'dish' translates to Spanish as plato. Wiktionary also lists platillo.
Meaning: specific type of food (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| plato | /ˈplato/ | masculine |
| platillo | /plaˈtiʝo/ | masculine |
The word plato is used both for the physical object (a plate) and for a specific culinary dish.
Which one should you use?
While plato is the standard term for a prepared dish, the diminutive form platillo is often used to refer to a small dish or a specific appetizer/small plate. While plato can mean the physical plate, it is the standard term for a prepared dish of food.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and some Central American countries, platillo is used as an alternative for 'dish'. In Spain, the term guiso is used to refer to a cooked dish or stew.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈplato/
Did you know?
- The word plato is a linguistic relative of the English word 'plateau'. Both words trace back to the Ancient Greek word platús, which means 'broad' or 'flat'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, there is a concept called el plato del día, which is a fixed-price daily special. It is a cultural institution in cafes and restaurants across Spain and Latin America.
- The word plato can be used idiomatically in the phrase plato fuerte, which refers to the main course. Literally, it translates to 'strong plate'.
Examples in context
- ¿Has comido este plato alguna vez?Have you ever eaten this dish?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has ever eaten a specific plato.Tatoeba #1717651 by marcelostockle, translation #1717631 by Amastan
- ¿Cuál es el plato favorito de Ziri?What's Ziri's favorite dish?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's favorite plato.Tatoeba #13672906 by Seael, translation #10213073 by Amastan
- El plato es demasiado dulce para Tom.The dish is too sweet for Tom.This sentence is useful for describing a plato that is too sweet for someone.Tatoeba #1535198 by marcelostockle, translation #1531893 by Spamster
- ¿Puedo ver el menú? Estoy buscando un plato principal.Can I see the menu? I am looking for a main dish.
- Este restaurante ofrece una variedad de platos exquisitos.This restaurant offers a variety of exquisite dishes.
- ¿Qué comida me recomiendas en este restaurante?What dish do you recommend at this restaurant?
- Ayer preparé una deliciosa comida casera.Yesterday, I cooked a delicious homemade dish.
- Me encanta el pozole, es mi platillo favorito.I love pozole, it's my favorite dish.
- La paella es un guiso típico español.Paella is a typical Spanish dish.
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are looking at a menu in a restaurant.
- MateoEste plato parece muy rico.This dish looks very tasty.
- ElenaSí, es el plato más famoso aquí.Yes, it is the most famous dish here.
- MateoLo voy a pedir entonces.I'm going to order it then.
- ElenaBuena elección, Mateo.Good choice, Mateo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dish” translations and entries plato, platillo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries platillo, plato, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
