cascanueces
/kaskanweθes/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase "nutcracker" is cascanueces in Spanish.
The term refers to an implement used for cracking nuts. When the phrase is written as El cascanueces, it refers specifically to the famous ballet by Tchaikovsky.
Meaning: implement for cracking nuts (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of the verb cascar (to crack or shell) and nueces (nuts).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term rompecáscaras is used to mean shell breaker.
How does it change in a sentence?
cascanueces is an invariable noun, which means its form does not change whether you are referring to one or more nutcrackers.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaskanweθes/
Did you know?
- The word cascar can also be used colloquially in some regions to mean 'to die' or 'to kick the bucket'.
- Unlike the general verb romper used in rompecáscaras, the verb cascar implies the specific shattering of a hard shell.
- To distinguish between one or many cascanueces, you must rely entirely on the article, switching from el to los.
Examples in context
- Mañana por la mañana ensayaremos "El cascanueces", y por la tarde bailaremos "El lago de los cisnes".Tomorrow morning we will rehearse "The Nutcracker", and in the evening we will dance "Swan Lake".This sentence is useful for seeing how cascanueces is used when referring to the ballet.Tatoeba #10095083 by manufrutos, translation #10094560 by AlanF_US
- Oye, ¿dónde está el quitanueces? No puedo esperar para probar estas deliciosas almendras.Hey, where's the nutcracker? I can't wait to taste these delicious almonds.
- Necesito un cascanueces para estas nueces.I need a nutcracker for these walnuts.
- El cascanueces de madera es muy viejo.The wooden nutcracker is very old.
Example conversation
In the kitchen, preparing a snack.
- Lucía¿Dónde está el cascanueces, Javier?Where is the nutcracker, Javier?
- JavierEstá en el cajón de la cocina.It is in the kitchen drawer.
- LucíaGracias, lo usaré para estas avellanas.Thanks, I will use it for these hazelnuts.
- JavierDe nada, Lucía.You're welcome, Lucía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nutcracker” translations and entries cascanueces, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
