mole
/ˈmole/
The English phrase "mole sauce" is mole in Spanish.
There are many specific varieties of this sauce, such as El mole poblano, which is the traditional version from Puebla, Mexico. Other notable variations include the dark and rich Mole Negro from Oaxaca. The red Mole Coloradito from Oaxaca. The fruity and spicy Mole Manchamanteles from Oaxaca. And Mole Amarillo, a yellow variety from the Yucatan Peninsula.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Different regions of Mexico are associated with specific types of this sauce: El mole poblano comes from Puebla, while several varieties like Mole Negro, Mole Coloradito and Mole Manchamanteles are characteristic of Oaxaca. Mole Amarillo is a variety from the Yucatan Peninsula.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmole/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistake the Spanish word mole for the English word "mole" (the skin lesion or the animal), but in Spanish, it refers to a complex sauce.
Did you know?
- One variety, Mole Manchamanteles, literally translates to 'tablecloth stainer', a nod to how easily its vibrant colors can stain fabric.
- Traditional mole recipes are often guarded family secrets and can contain over 30 different ingredients including various chilies, nuts, seeds and chocolate.
- The word mole is not originally Spanish but was borrowed from the Classical Nahuatl word mōlli, which means 'sauce' or 'something ground'.
Examples in context
- Quisiera probar la salsa de mole, por favor.I would like to try the mole sauce, please.
- ¿Tienen algún platillo con mole poblano?Do you have any dishes with mole sauce from Puebla?
- Me encanta el mole negro de Oaxaca.I love the black mole sauce from Oaxaca.
- El mole es muy delicioso.The mole sauce is very delicious.
- ¿Quieres probar el mole de la casa?Do you want to try the house mole sauce?
- Me gusta mucho el mole con pollo.I really like the mole sauce with chicken.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are at a traditional Mexican restaurant.
- Sofía¿Qué te parece el mole, Javier?How do you like the mole sauce, Javier?
- JavierEl mole está excelente, Sofía.The mole sauce is excellent, Sofía.
- SofíaMe alegra que te guste.I'm glad you like it.
- JavierEs el mejor mole que he probado.It is the best mole sauce I have ever tasted.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mole, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mole, CC BY-SA 4.0.
