abarrotes
/abarotes/from spelling rules
The English phrase "dry goods" is translated into Spanish as abarrotes.
abarrotes refers to dry goods.
Meaning: dry food (noun)
Which one should you use?
While abarrotes refers to dry goods and non-perishables, it is distinct from productos frescos (fresh products) like produce or meat.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term 'abarrotes' is the standard way to refer to dry goods or groceries in Mexico and parts of Central America.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 'abarrotes' is a plural noun and is almost always used in its plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/abarotes/
Did you know?
- The word abarrotar from which abarrotes is derived means 'to crowd' or 'to pack tightly', referring to how these goods were once stored in ships.
- While abarrotes is common in Mexico, a person in Spain would more likely use the word legumbres for dry goods like beans or lentils, or productos no perecederos for general non-perishables.
- In Mexico, a small neighborhood grocery store is called una tienda de abarrotes and is often a vital social hub for the local community.
Examples in context
- La despensa está llena de alimentos no perecederosThe pantry is stocked with dry goods
- El barco lleva provisiones secas para el largo viajeThe ship carries dry provisions for the long journey
- Deberíamos comprar más víveres no perecederos para emergenciasWe should buy more dry goods for emergencies
- En el campamento llevamos alimentos secos para las caminatasWe bring dry foods for hikes in the camp
- Necesito comprar algunos abarrotes para la semana.I need to buy some dry goods for the week.
- El pasillo de abarrotes está muy lleno.The dry goods aisle is very full.
- Ella trabaja vendiendo abarrotes en la tienda.She works selling dry goods at the store.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are checking their kitchen supplies.
- SofíaMateo, ¿tenemos suficientes abarrotes en casa?Mateo, do we have enough dry goods at home?
- MateoNo, creo que nos falta arroz y frijoles.No, I think we are missing rice and beans.
- SofíaIré a la tienda de abarrotes ahora mismo.I will go to the grocery store right now.
- MateoGracias, Sofía, trae también un poco de azúcar.Thanks, Sofía, bring some sugar too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry abarrotes, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
