perro caliente
/pero kaljente/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'hotdog' is translated into Spanish as perro caliente.
The phrase refers to a cooked sausage served in a long, soft bun.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of 'hot dog', where perro means 'dog' and caliente means 'hot'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While perro caliente is the standard translation, you may encounter different terms depending on the social setting or region.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, the word pancho is commonly used instead of perro caliente. In Chile, a specific type of loaded hot dog is often referred to as a completo.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must be pluralized, resulting in perros calientes.
Did you know?
- In some Caribbean countries, hot dogs are frequently sold by street vendors who use loud, rhythmic calls to attract customers, turning the sale of a perro caliente into a public performance.
- The Spanish word perro originally had a pejorative meaning similar to 'cur' before it became the general word for 'dog'.
Examples in context
- Un hotdog con mostaza y ketchup, por favorA hotdog with mustard and ketchup, please
- Hola, me gustaría pedir un hotdog. ¿Cuánto cuesta?Hello, I would like to order a hotdog. How much does it cost?
- Disculpa, ¿sabes cómo se dice hotdog en español?Excuse me, do you know how to say hotdog in Spanish?
- ¡Qué rico está este pancho!This hotdog is delicious!
- Quiero un perro caliente con mostaza.I want a hotdog with mustard.
- El perro caliente está muy caliente.The hotdog is very hot.
- ¿Te gusta el perro caliente de este puesto?Do you like the hotdog from this stand?
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are at a street food festival.
- MateoElena, ¿comemos un perro caliente?Elena, shall we eat a hotdog?
- ElenaSí, tengo mucha hambre.Yes, I am very hungry.
- MateoEste perro caliente se ve delicioso.This hotdog looks delicious.
- ElenaPide uno para mí también, por favor.Order one for me too, please.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry perro caliente, 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 caliente, perro, perro caliente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
