cangrejo rey
/kanɡɾexo ɾei/from spelling rules
The English phrase "king crab" is cangrejo rey in Spanish.
The term refers to the crustacean known as the king crab.
Meaning: crustacean (noun)
Which one should you use?
Centolla is a more formal term used in specific contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The formal term Centolla is used in Spain and parts of South America.
How do you pronounce it?
/kanɡɾexo ɾei/
Did you know?
- The word cangrejo contains a diminutive suffix -ejo, meaning the word for crab is historically a 'little crab'.
- While cangrejo rey is understood globally, a menu in Chile or Argentina is far more likely to list the dish as centolla, as it is a prized regional delicacy.
- Spanish uses the word cangrejo for both the animal and the specific 'crab' shape of certain tools or architectural ornaments.
Examples in context
- Me encanta comer centolla en una buena paella de mariscos.I love to eat king crab in a delicious seafood paella.
- ¡Vamos a comer centolla hoy! Es mi marisco favorito.Let's have king crab today! It's my favorite seafood.
- En Veracruz preparan una deliciosa jaiba real en salsa de chipotle.In Veracruz, they prepare a delicious king crab in chipotle sauce.
- El cangrejo rey es muy caro.The king crab is very expensive.
- ¿Quieres probar el cangrejo rey?Do you want to try the king crab?
- Compré un cangrejo rey para la cena.I bought a king crab for dinner.
Example conversation
At a seafood restaurant.
- LucíaJavier, ¿qué me recomiendas hoy?Javier, what do you recommend today?
- JavierEl cangrejo rey está muy fresco.The king crab is very fresh.
- LucíaPerfecto, quiero ese cangrejo rey.Perfect, I want that king crab.
- JavierExcelente elección, Lucía.Excellent choice, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cangrejo, rey, CC BY-SA 4.0.
