Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| perrito caliente | /peˌrito kaˈljente/ | Spain |
| perro caliente | /pero kaljente/ (from spelling rules) | Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, Venezuela, masculine |
| italiano | /itaˈljano/ | Chile, masculine |
| completo | /komˈpleto/ | Chile, masculine |
| pancho | /ˈpant͡ʃo/ | Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, masculine |
| chévere | /ˈt͡ʃebeɾe/ | Guatemala, colloquial, masculine |
| shuco | /suko/ (from spelling rules) | Guatemala, colloquial, masculine |
This term refers to a frankfurter served in a bun.
Which one should you use?
While perrito caliente is the standard term in Spain, many other regions use different words. For example, pancho is used in Argentina and Uruguay and completo is used in Chile.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In Guatemala, the colloquial terms chévere and shuco may be used. In Argentina and Uruguay, pancho is an informal term specifically used for a hot dog placed inside a long bun.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term perrito caliente is used in Spain. In Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru and Venezuela, you will hear perro caliente. In the Caribbean, perro caliente is also notable. In Chile, the term italiano or completo is used, with the latter often referring to a specific style loaded with avocado and other toppings. In Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, the term is pancho. In Guatemala, you may encounter the colloquial terms chévere and shuco.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of perrito caliente is perritos calientes.
How do you pronounce it?
/peˌrito kaˈljente/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers might mistakenly assume perro caliente refers to a literal hot dog (the animal), but in a food context, it is the standard term for the snack.
Did you know?
- In Guatemala, the term shuco is used for a hot dog, which in other contexts can mean 'dirty' or 'filthy'.
- In Chile, a hot dog called an italiano is named for its toppings of tomato, mayonnaise and avocado, which match the colors of the Italian flag.
- The word pancho is a popular way to say hot dog in Argentina and Uruguay, but it is also a common Spanish nickname for the name 'Francisco'.
Examples in context
- Comí un pancho como almuerzo.I ate a hot dog for lunch.This sentence shows how to use pancho when talking about eating a hot dog for lunch.Tatoeba #600799 by Leono, translation #259448 by CK
- Quiero un pancho.I want a hot dog.This sentence shows how to use pancho to express a desire for a hot dog.Tatoeba #2117413 by hayastan, translation #2011336 by CK
- ¿Podría darme un perrito caliente?Could I have a hot dog, please?
- Un pancho, por favorA hot dog, please
- Me gustaría pedir un perrito caliente, por favor.I would like to order a hot dog, please.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are at a street food stall in Madrid.
- Lucía¿Me das un perrito caliente con mostaza?Can you give me a hot dog with mustard?
- MateoClaro, ¿quieres también alguna bebida?Sure, do you want a drink too?
- LucíaNo, gracias, solo el perrito caliente.No, thanks, just the hot dog.
- MateoMuy bien, Lucía, aquí tienes tu pedido.Very well, Lucía, here is your order.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hot dog” translations and entries perrito caliente, perro caliente, italiano, completo, pancho, chévere, shuco, 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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
