filete al punto
/filete al punto/from spelling rules
The phrase for medium rare steak in Spanish is filete al punto.
This phrase is used to describe a steak that has been cooked so that it remains pink and juicy in the center.
Which one should you use?
While filete al punto is a common way to request a medium-rare steak, the phrase término medio is often used to refer more generally to a 'medium' level of cooking.
How do you pronounce it?
/filete al punto/
Did you know?
- While al punto implies a perfect medium rare in Spain, in some Latin American countries it can mean a fully cooked 'medium' steak, which may leave an English speaker with a steak more well-done than they intended.
- The word punto in this context shares its history with the English word 'point', originating from the Latin 'pūnctus', which means 'a prick' or 'a puncture'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, asking for a steak al punto is seen as the gold standard of cooking, as it suggests the chef has hit the exact 'point' of perfection.
Examples in context
- Quiero un filete al punto, por favor.I want a medium rare steak, please.
- Él pidió su filete al punto.He ordered his steak medium rare.
- El filete al punto está delicioso.The medium rare steak is delicious.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are ordering dinner at a restaurant.
- Lucía¿Cómo quieres tu carne, Alejandro?How do you want your meat, Alejandro?
- AlejandroPrefiero un filete al punto.I prefer a medium rare steak.
- LucíaA mí también me gusta así.I like it that way too.
- AlejandroEntonces pediremos lo mismo.Then we will order the same.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries filete, punto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
