kumquat
/kumqwat/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English word kumquat can be translated into Spanish as kumquat or quinoto.
Meaning: small orange fruit (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| kumquat | /kumqwat/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| quinoto | /kiˈnoto/ | masculine |
Both terms refer to the small orange fruit known as a kumquat.
Which one should you use?
While both words describe the same fruit, their use depends on where you are speaking.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some countries, such as Mexico or parts of Central America, it is common to use the English word kumquat itself. In the Southern Cone region, including countries like Argentina and Uruguay, the term quinoto is commonly used to refer to the kumquat.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of quinoto is quinotos.
How do you pronounce it?
/kumqwat/
Did you know?
- The word quinoto is a loanword from the Italian 'chinotto', reflecting the strong historical influence of Italian immigration on the vocabulary of Argentina and Uruguay.
- While kumquat is an English loanword in Mexico, Spanish speakers may also use the general term naranja enana meaning 'dwarf orange' to describe the fruit.
- Unlike many citrus fruits in Spanish, which have deeply rooted Latin origins, the terms kumquat and quinoto are relatively recent additions to the language due to the fruit's introduction from Asia.
Examples in context
- Tenemos un árbol de quinotos en nuestro patio.We have a kumquat tree in our yard.This sentence shows how to use the word quinoto when talking about a tree in a yard.Tatoeba #9714385 by hayastan, translation #9714368 by CK
- Cuando era chica, nuestra familia tenía un árbol de quinotos.When I was a kid, our family had a kumquat tree.This sentence uses quinoto to describe a kumquat tree a family used to have in the past.Tatoeba #9714386 by hayastan, translation #9714370 by CK
- ¿Tienes quinotos en el mercado?Do you have kumquats in the market?
- ¿Me puedes explicar qué es ese cítrico pequeño de color naranja?Can you explain to me what that small orange citrus fruit is?
- el kumquat es muy dulce.The kumquat is very sweet.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are at a fruit market.
- AlejandroMira, este kumquat se ve muy fresco.Look, this kumquat looks very fresh.
- MaríaTienes razón, Alejandro, vamos a comprar algunos.You are right, Alejandro, let's buy some.
- Alejandro¿Sabes cómo se cocina el kumquat?Do you know how to cook the kumquat?
- MaríaSí, podemos usarlo en una mermelada.Yes, we can use it in a jam.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kumquat” translations and entries kumquat, quinoto, 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 quinoto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
