pipián
/piˈpjan/feminine
The English word gourd can be translated into Spanish as pipián, ayacaste, ayote or guaje.
Meaning: fruit (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pipián | /piˈpjan/ | feminine |
| ayacaste | /aʝakaste/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| ayote | /aˈʝote/ | masculine |
| guaje | /ˈɡwaxe/ | masculine |
All these terms refer to the fruit known as a gourd.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Central American countries like Costa Rica and Nicaragua, ayote is the term most frequently used to refer to gourds or squash. In Mexico, guaje is a common term often specifically used for hard-shelled gourds used to make musical instruments or containers, while Jícara describes a bowl-shaped gourd used for drinking beverages. In South American countries, Pipona is used to describe a larger gourd used for making mate.
How do you pronounce it?
/piˈpjan/
Did you know?
- The Nahuatl word ayohtli, from which ayote is derived, is a linguistic relic of the Aztec Empire that still lives in modern Spanish.
- The word pipián can refer to both a type of gourd and a traditional Mexican sauce made from ground seeds and spices.
- The English word 'pepitas' for pumpkin seeds is an English-adopted version of the Spanish word 'pepita', which is the likely root for pipián.
Examples in context
- ¡Qué rico este mate! ¿Dónde conseguiste esta linda calabaza?This mate is delicious! Where did you get this beautiful gourd?
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are cooking dinner together.
- MaríaAlejandro, ¿tienes el pipián listo?Alejandro, do you have the gourd ready?
- AlejandroSí, ya lo lavé y pelé.Yes, I already washed and peeled it.
- MaríaPerfecto, ahora ayúdame a picar el pipián.Perfect, now help me chop the gourd.
- AlejandroClaro, María, yo lo hago.Sure, María, I'll do it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gourd” translations and entries pipián, ayote, guaje, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ayote, guaje, pipián, CC BY-SA 4.0.
