jaiba
/ˈxaiba/
jaiba is the Spanish word for a type of swimming crab found in the Americas.
The word jaiba refers specifically to a swimming crab. In more formal contexts, you may find the general term cangrejo used instead to refer to a crab.
Which one should you use?
While jaiba refers to this specific type of crab, the diminutive jaibita is used informally to refer to a smaller or younger crab.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈxaiba/
Did you know?
- The word jaiba is a linguistic fossil from the Taíno people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Caribbean, rather than coming from Latin or Spanish roots.
- In certain coastal regions, calling a crab a jaiba instead of a cangrejo can act as a linguistic 'accent', signaling to others that you are a local from the Caribbean coast.
- A person ordering jaiba in Mexico might receive a completely different species of crab than someone ordering jaiba in Colombia, due to varying regional definitions.
Examples in context
- Vamos a comer tacos de jaiva esta noche.We are going to eat jaiva tacos tonight.
- La jaiba es muy fresca.The swimming crab is very fresh.
- ¿Compraste la jaiba en el mercado?Did you buy the swimming crab at the market?
- Hoy prepararé un caldo de jaiba.Today I will prepare a swimming crab broth.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are at a local seafood restaurant.
- Daniel¿Qué me recomiendas de comer, Sofía?What do you recommend I eat, Sofía?
- SofíaLa jaiba aquí es deliciosa.The swimming crab here is delicious.
- DanielEstá bien, pediré la jaiba entonces.Alright, I will order the swimming crab then.
- SofíaTe va a encantar.You are going to love it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry jaiba, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jaiba, CC BY-SA 4.0.
