el bistec
/el bistek/from spelling rules
el bistec is the Spanish phrase for "the steak", referring specifically to a thin slice of beef.
The term is used specifically for thin, flat cuts of meat that are suitable for grilling or frying.
What does it mean word for word?
The word bistec is a phonetic adaptation of the English word "beefsteak".
Which one should you use?
While el bistec refers to a thin slice of meat, a thick steak is often called un filete or un corte.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of bistec is los bistecs.
Did you know?
- The concept of the 'steak' as a popular dish spread across Europe and into Spanish culture partly due to the influence of the British and the French after the Battle of Waterloo.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, bistec is not just a cut of meat but refers to a specific style of preparation, such as bistec encebollado, where the meat is smothered in onions.
- The word bistec follows Spanish orthography rules to mimic the English sound, which is why the 'f' and 's' sounds from 'beefsteak' are modified.
Examples in context
- Un bistec, por favorA steak, please
- Me gustaría un bistec bien hechoI would like a well-done steak
- ¿Me haces un bistec bien jugoso?Can you make me a juicy steak?
- En este restaurante, sirven el bistec muy tierno.In this restaurant, they serve very tender steak.
- ¿Podría recomendarme algún lugar donde pueda comer un buen bistec?Could you recommend a place where I can have a good steak?
- ¡Qué rico está el bistec de mamá!Mom's steak is so delicious!
- El bistec está muy sabroso.The steak is very tasty.
- ¿Quieres el bistec con patatas fritas?Do you want the steak with french fries?
- Compré el bistec para la cena.I bought the steak for dinner.
Example conversation
A couple is deciding what to cook for dinner at home.
- MaríaDaniel, ¿podemos cocinar el bistec hoy?Daniel, can we cook the steak today?
- DanielSí, María, me encanta el bistec.Yes, María, I love steak.
- María¿Lo quieres poco hecho?Do you want it rare?
- DanielSí, por favor.Yes, please.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bistec, el, CC BY-SA 4.0.
