picadillo
/pikaˈdiʝo/
picadillo is the Spanish word for picadillo.
The term refers to a meat-based hash or stew. In many Spanish-speaking cultures, this dish consists of minced meat cooked with vegetables, which often includes ingredients like potatoes, olives and raisins.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the Spanish verb picar, which means to chop or to mince, referring to the minced or chopped meat or vegetables that define the dish.
How do you pronounce it?
/pikaˈdiʝo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word picar is a linguistic 'false friend' for some, as it can mean 'to chop' in cooking but also 'to sting' like a bee or 'to itch'.
- While the word refers to a savory meat dish, the verb picar is also used to describe the act of snacking on small appetizers before a main meal.
- The suffix -illo in picadillo is a diminutive, which literally turns 'chopped' into 'little chopped things'.
Examples in context
- ¿Por favor, podría traerme un plato de picadillo? Me encanta su sabor.Could you please bring me a plate of picadillo? I love its flavor.
- ¡Hoy prepararé un rico picadillo para la cena familiar! ¿Te gustaría ayudarme a cocinar?Today, I'll make a delicious picadillo for the family dinner! Would you like to help me cook?
- El picadillo está muy rico.The picadillo is very delicious.
- ¿Quieres comer picadillo hoy?Do you want to eat picadillo today?
- Preparé un picadillo con mucha carne.I prepared a picadillo with a lot of meat.
Example conversation
A couple is deciding what to have for lunch at home.
- AlejandroMaría, ¿qué vamos a almorzar?María, what are we going to have for lunch?
- MaríaTengo un picadillo delicioso en la cocina.I have a delicious picadillo in the kitchen.
- Alejandro¡Qué bien! Me encanta el picadillo.Great! I love picadillo.
- MaríaEntonces, siéntate a la mesa, Alejandro.Then, sit down at the table, Alejandro.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry picadillo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries picadillo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
