puré
/puˈɾe/
The English word 'mash' can be translated to Spanish as puré.
In Spanish, puré is a noun meaning 'mash' or 'puree', rather than a verb meaning 'to mash'.
Meaning: press (something) (verb)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word pisar can be used to describe the action of mashing ingredients, particularly garlic.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of mashing something, use the verbal phrase hacer puré.
How do you pronounce it?
/puˈɾe/
What mistakes should you avoid?
The word 'puré' is a noun meaning 'mash' or 'puree', rather than a verb meaning 'to mash'.
Did you know?
- If you are following a recipe that asks you to mash ingredients, you might see the instruction pisar, even though you are not using your feet.
- The term puré is actually a linguistic traveler from the French word purée, which is derived from the word pur, meaning 'pure'.
- To describe the act of mashing, Spanish uses the phrase hacer puré, which literally translates to 'make mash'. This construction treats the result of the action as the object being created.
Examples in context
- Para hacer el puré de papas, debes triturar las papas cocidas hasta obtener una consistencia suave.To make mashed potatoes, you must mash the cooked potatoes until you obtain a smooth consistency.
- Antes de agregarlo a la salsa, debes machacar el ajo para liberar su sabor.Before adding it to the sauce, you must mash the garlic to release its flavor.
- Cuando hagas puré de papas, simplemente aplasta las papas cocidas con un tenedor hasta obtener la textura deseada.When you make mashed potatoes, simply mash the cooked potatoes with a fork until you obtain the desired texture.
- En México, es común majar los aguacates para preparar guacamole casero.In Mexico, it is common to mash avocados to prepare homemade guacamole.
- Para el alioli, primero debes pisar el ajo en un mortero hasta formar una pasta.For the alioli, first you must mash the garlic in a mortar until it forms a paste.
- Para hacer mofongo, debes guayar los plátanos hasta obtener una consistencia suave.To make mofongo, you must mash the plantains until you obtain a smooth consistency.
- Hice puré de papas para la cena.I made mashed potatoes for dinner.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are preparing a meal in the kitchen.
- DanielLucía, ¿puedes ayudarme con la comida?Lucía, can you help me with the food?
- LucíaSí, Daniel. ¿Qué necesitas que haga?Yes, Daniel. What do you need me to do?
- DanielPor favor, haz puré estas zanahorias cocidas.Please, mash these cooked carrots.
- LucíaClaro, lo haré ahora mismo.Of course, I'll do it right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry puré, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries puré, CC BY-SA 4.0.