cuy
Ecuador, Andean
In Ecuador a guinea pig is called a cuy, and the plural is cuyes. The standard Spanish name conejillo de Indias is used mostly for pets in general talk.
Meaning: small rodent kept as a pet or eaten (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| cuy | Ecuador, Andean |
| Conejillo de Indias | standard, pet |
Cuy is the word everyone uses, including on menus. The dish is called cuy asado, meaning roasted guinea pig.
When do people say it?
In the Andean highlands of Ecuador guinea pigs have been raised for food for a very long time, and cuy asado is served at festivals and on special occasions.
Did you know?
- The word cuy comes from Quechua and imitates the sound the animal makes.
Examples in context
- Quiero probar el cuy asado.I want to try roasted guinea pig.
- Mi hija tiene un cuy de mascota.My daughter has a guinea pig as a pet.
- Los cuyes comen hierba.Guinea pigs eat grass.
Example conversation
Mark orders lunch at a restaurant near Riobamba.
- MarkBuenas tardes. ¿Qué es el cuy asado?Good afternoon. What is roasted guinea pig?
- MeseraEs el plato típico de la sierra.It is the typical dish of the highlands.
- MarkEntonces quiero probarlo.Then I want to try it.
