plato principal
/plato pɾinθipal/from spelling rulesmasculine
In Spanish, the phrase for 'main dish' is plato principal. Wiktionary also lists plato fuerte.
Meaning: main course in a meal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| plato principal | /plato pɾinθipal/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /plato pɾinsipal/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
| plato fuerte | /plato fweɾte/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
Both plato principal and plato fuerte are used to refer to the main course of a meal.
What does it mean word for word?
The term plato fuerte literally translates to 'strong dish', implying the weight or importance of the course in the meal.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must be pluralized: platos principales or platos fuertes.
How do you pronounce it?
/plato pɾinθipal/
Did you know?
- The word plato is a linguistic relative of the English word 'plateau'. Both descend from the Ancient Greek word platús, which means 'wide'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, if you describe a meal as fuerte, you might be referring to the spiciness or intensity of the flavors rather than just the size of the portion.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the plato fuerte is often preceded by a entrada, which can be a small salad or soup rather than a formal appetizer.
Examples in context
- Después de la entrada viene el plato fuerte.After the entrée comes the main dish.This sentence shows the sequence of a meal using plato fuerte.Tatoeba #1873059 by marcelostockle, translation #1873063 by marcelostockle
- Después del plato principal viene el postre.After the main dish comes the dessert.This sentence shows the sequence of a meal using plato principal.Tatoeba #1873075 by marcelostockle, translation #1873077 by marcelostockle
- El plato principal del menú de hoy es el pollo a la parrilla.The main dish on today's menu is grilled chicken.
- Nuestro plato fuerte del día es el tradicional mole poblano.Our main dish of the day is the traditional mole poblano.
- En la cena de anoche, el plato de fondo fue un asado delicioso.Last night's dinner had a delicious main dish, which was a barbecue.
- El plato principal es de carne.The main dish is meat.
Example conversation
María and Javier are looking at a menu at a restaurant.
- MaríaMira, el plato principal parece delicioso.Look, the main dish looks delicious.
- JavierTienes razón, yo quiero el salmón.You're right, I want the salmon.
- MaríaYo también pediré ese plato principal.I will order that main dish too.
- JavierPerfecto, pidamos ahora.Perfect, let's order now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “main dish” translations and entries plato principal, plato fuerte, 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 fuerte, plato, principal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
