filete a tres cuartos
/filete a tɾes kwaɾtos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "medium well steak" is translated into Spanish as filete a tres cuartos.
This phrase describes a steak cooked so that it is mostly brown throughout with only a slight hint of pink in the center.
Which one should you use?
If you want the steak cooked medium instead of medium well, use término medio. If you prefer the steak to be well done, use bien cocido.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase tres cuartos is sometimes used to describe a medium well steak. In Argentina, the phrase a punto is used to indicate a medium well steak.
How do you pronounce it?
/filete a tɾes kwaɾtos/
Did you know?
- The word filete evolved from the Latin fīlum, meaning 'string' or 'thread', moving from a description of a thin strip of meat to a specific cut of steak.
- The word término, used to describe the doneness of meat, literally means 'term' or 'end', viewing the cooking process as a progression toward a final state.
- While tres cuartos literally means 'three quarters', it refers to the percentage of the meat that is cooked through rather than a portion size.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría un filete tres cuartos, por favor.I would like a medium well steak, please.
- Quiero un filete a tres cuartos, por favor.I want a medium well steak, please.
- Este filete a tres cuartos está delicioso.This medium well steak is delicious.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are ordering dinner at a restaurant.
- DanielSofía, ¿cómo quieres tu carne?Sofía, how do you want your meat?
- SofíaQuiero un filete a tres cuartos.I want a medium well steak.
- DanielPerfecto, yo pediré el mío término medio.Perfect, I will order mine medium.
- SofíaMuy bien, Daniel.Very well, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, filete, tres, CC BY-SA 4.0.
