parrillada
/pariˈʝada/
parrillada is the Spanish phrase for a mixed grill of various meats cooked over an open fire or grill.
The term parrillada refers to a platter of assorted grilled meats. In informal contexts, it can also describe the social gathering or event itself that revolves around the grilled food.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from parrilla, meaning 'grill' and uses the suffix -ada to indicate a collection or the result of an action, literally meaning 'mixed grill'.
Which one should you use?
While parrillada refers to the meal or the event, parrilla refers to the physical grill or the cooking device used to prepare the food. In informal speech, parrilla may sometimes be used to refer to the meat platter itself.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, parrillada is the most common way to refer to a grilled meat platter.
How do you pronounce it?
/pariˈʝada/
When do people say it?
In many Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in the Southern Cone, a parrillada is a central social event often involving a communal dining experience.
Did you know?
- In Argentina and Uruguay, the parrillada often features achuras, a specific category of offal that includes mollejas (sweetbreads) and chinchulines (small intestines).
- In many South American countries, the person in charge of the parrillada is known as the 'parrillero', a role that carries significant social prestige and respect among friends.
- The word parrilla shares a linguistic ancestor with the English word 'grille', both tracing back to the concept of a metal framework or bars.
Examples in context
- La parrillada de ayer estuvo genial. ¡Comimos desde pollo hasta churrasco!Yesterday's parrillada was great. We ate everything from chicken to steak!
- Pedimos una parrillada para compartir.We ordered a mixed grill to share.
- La parrillada de este restaurante es excelente.The mixed grill at this restaurant is excellent.
- Me encanta la parrillada con vegetales.I love the mixed grill with vegetables.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are deciding what to eat at a local grill restaurant.
- Lucía¿Qué quieres comer, Mateo?What do you want to eat, Mateo?
- MateoCreo que voy a pedir la parrillada.I think I am going to order the mixed grill.
- Lucía¡Qué buena idea! Yo también quiero una.What a great idea! I want one too.
- MateoEntonces llamaré al camarero ahora.Then I will call the waiter now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry parrillada, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries parrillada, CC BY-SA 4.0.
