carne asada
/kaɾne asada/from spelling rules
carne asada is the Spanish phrase for grilled meat.
carne asada refers to meat that has been cooked by grilling it over a fire or heat source. In many Spanish-speaking countries, it refers specifically to the dish itself or even the event of a barbecue rather than just the state of the meat.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of carne (meat) and asada (grilled/roasted).
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term carne asada is used in Mexico, Central America and parts of the Caribbean. In Argentina, the term asado is frequently used to refer to grilled meat. In Colombia, churrasco is a delicious grilled meat option. Additionally, in various Latin American countries, the informal term Parrillada can be used to describe a mixed grill or barbecue feast.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because carne is a feminine noun, the adjective must be the feminine form asada rather than the masculine asado.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾne asada/
When do people say it?
In Mexican-American and Northern Mexican culture, la carne asada often refers to a social gathering or party centered around grilling meat.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word carne shares a common ancestor with the English word 'carnal' and the word 'carnivore'.
- While asada means grilled, the root verb asar can also be used for roasting in an oven, making the term more versatile than 'grilled' in English.
- The term parrillada comes directly from the name of the specialized tool used to cook it, the parrilla.
Examples in context
- El menú ofrece una selección de platos principales, como carne a la parrilla con verduras asadas.The menu offers a selection of main dishes, such as grilled meat with roasted vegetables.
- El restaurante es famoso por su deliciosa carne asada con el auténtico sabor a parrilla.The restaurant is famous for its delicious grilled meat with an authentic grilled flavor.
- ¡Vamos a hacer una buena parrillada este fin de semana!Let's have a great barbecue this weekend!
- Me encanta la carne asada de este restaurante.I love the grilled meat from this restaurant.
- ¿Quieres más carne asada en tu plato?Do you want more grilled meat on your plate?
- La carne asada está muy sabrosa hoy.The grilled meat is very tasty today.
Example conversation
A couple is eating at a backyard barbecue.
- MateoMaría, ¿te gusta la carne asada?María, do you like the grilled meat?
- MaríaSí, Mateo, está deliciosa.Yes, Mateo, it is delicious.
- MateoPuedo traerte un poco más.I can bring you a little more.
- MaríaMuchas gracias, eres muy amable.Thank you very much, you are very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry carne asada, 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 carne, CC BY-SA 4.0.
