Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “medium rare” in Spanish! Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a traveler exploring Spanish-speaking countries, knowing how to communicate your desired level of doneness for meat is essential. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal phrases and provide tips, examples, and regional variations when necessary. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Medium Rare in Spanish
When you’re in a formal setting, such as a fancy restaurant or when speaking to someone you don’t know well, it’s best to use the following phrases:
1. Término medio – This is the most common way to say “medium rare” formally in Spanish. It directly translates to “medium term.” For example, you can say, “Quisiera mi carne término medio, por favor” (I would like my meat medium rare, please).
2. Jugoso por dentro – This phrase means “juicy on the inside.” You can use it when you want to emphasize the tenderness and juiciness of the meat while still maintaining a medium-rare level of doneness. For instance, you can say, “Me gustaría mi carne jugosa por dentro” (I would like my meat juicy on the inside).
Informal Ways to Say Medium Rare in Spanish
In more casual situations or when speaking to friends and family, you can use the following informal expressions:
1. Poco hecho – This phrase directly translates to “a little done.” It conveys the idea of wanting the meat to be slightly cooked, but still rare in the center. For example, you can say, “Quiero mi carne poco hecha, por favor” (I want my meat medium rare, please).
2. Tres cuartos – Literally meaning “three quarters,” this term is used to describe a level of doneness closer to medium but still with a hint of pinkness inside. For instance, you can say, “Prefiero mi carne tres cuartos” (I prefer my meat medium rare).
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you properly express your desired level of doneness when ordering meat in Spanish:
- It’s essential to use polite phrases when ordering in a restaurant. Always start with “quisiera” (I would like) or “me gustaría” (I would like).
- If you want to stress that you prefer your meat truly rare or close to raw, you can say “casi crudo” (almost raw), but be aware that this might not be to everyone’s taste.
- When mentioning the type of meat, use the word “carne” followed by the specific name, such as “carne de res” (beef), “carne de cerdo” (pork), or “carne de cordero” (lamb).
- Remember to use “por favor” (please) at the end of your request to add politeness.
For instance, if you want to ask for a medium-rare steak politely, you can say, “Quisiera un filete de res término medio, por favor” (I would like a medium-rare steak, please).
Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood in most Spanish-speaking regions, it’s important to note that there might be slight regional variations. Some countries may have their unique ways of expressing the level of doneness. Here are two regional variations:
1. Argentina: In Argentina, you can use the phrase “jugoso” (juicy) to describe the desired level of doneness similar to medium rare. For example, you can say, “Quiero la carne jugosa” (I want the meat juicy).
2. Mexico: In Mexico, you can use the phrase “a término” to specify medium-rare doneness. For instance, you can say, “Quiero mi carne a término” (I want my meat medium rare).
Remember, even if you’re not in one of these specific regions, these variations are generally understood and can help you communicate your preferences more effectively.
Now armed with the formal and informal ways to say “medium rare” in Spanish, along with various tips and examples, you can confidently order your desired level of doneness in Spanish-speaking countries or impress your Spanish-speaking friends with your culinary knowledge. ¡Buen provecho!
