paella
/paˈeʝa/feminine
paella is the Spanish word for paella.
The term refers to a savory Valencian dish. While in Spain the word is often used broadly, it can specifically denote the traditional version known as paella valenciana, which is made with rabbit, chicken and snails rather than seafood.
Meaning: savory Valencian dish (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word paella literally means frying pan, as the term refers both to the dish itself and to the wide, shallow pan used to cook it.
How does it change in a sentence?
paella is a feminine noun. The plural form is las paellas.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈeʝa/
Did you know?
- The most prized part of a paella is the socarrat, the caramelized, crunchy layer of toasted rice that forms at the bottom of the pan.
- To a purist in Valencia, adding chorizo or peas to a 'paella' is considered a culinary crime that disrespects the dish's heritage.
- The word paella actually shares its DNA with the English word 'pan', as both descend from the same ancient roots describing shallow cooking vessels.
Examples in context
- Me encanta la paella.I love paella.This sentence is useful for expressing a personal preference for the dish with paella.Tatoeba #6622399 by arh, translation #10658762 by Lebensfreude
- ¿Qué tipo de paella te gusta?What type of paella do you like?This sentence is useful for asking about a preferred variety of the dish with paella.Tatoeba #6622400 by arh, translation #11354723 by magnificentgoddess
- La paella a menudo incluye caracoles.Paella often includes snails.This sentence is useful for noting that snails are a common ingredient in paella.Tatoeba #1346816 by marcelostockle, translation #712486 by papabear
- Me encantaría probar la paella valenciana en su lugar de origen.I would love to try Valencian paella in its place of origin.
- Vamos a hacer una paella de mariscos en casa este fin de semana.Let's make a seafood paella at home this weekend.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are deciding what to eat for lunch at home.
- Javier¿Cocinamos una paella hoy, María?Shall we cook a paella today, María?
- MaríaSí, me parece una idea excelente.Yes, that sounds like an excellent idea to me.
- JavierYo me encargo de comprar los ingredientes.I will take care of buying the ingredients.
- MaríaPerfecto, yo prepararé la paella.Perfect, I will prepare the paella.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “paella” translations and entries paella, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries paella, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
