pepinillo
/pepiˈniʝo/masculine
In Spanish, the word for pickle is pepinillo.
The term refers to a preserved cucumber. The verb conservar can also be used to mean preserve food in a salt, sugar or vinegar solution.
Meaning: preserved cucumber (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word pepinillo is the diminutive form of pepino (cucumber), literally meaning 'little cucumber'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, it is common to use the word encurtido to refer to pickles.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of pepinillo is pepinillos.
How do you pronounce it?
/pepiˈniʝo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word pepino can be used in the slang phrase me importa un pepino to mean 'I don't care at all'.
- In Spain, pepinillos are often served as part of a banderilla or gilda, which is a skewered appetizer combining a pickle, an olive and a pepper.
- The suffix -illo in pepinillo does not just mean 'small', but also implies a sense of affection or familiarity in many Spanish dialects.
Examples in context
- Encontré este pepinillo en el suelo. ¿Debería comerlo?I found this pickle on the floor. Should I eat it?This sentence shows how to use pepinillo when finding one on the floor.Tatoeba #6623558 by Schuager, translation #6622970 by Eccles17
- Me gusta comer un pepinillo con mi sándwich.I like to eat a pickle with my sandwich.
- El frasco tiene un pepinillo muy grande.The jar has a very large pickle.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are preparing a snack in the kitchen.
- Daniel¿Quieres un pepinillo para tu hamburguesa, Lucía?Do you want a pickle for your hamburger, Lucía?
- LucíaSí, por favor, me encantan los pepinillos.Yes, please, I love pickles.
- DanielAquí tienes el pepinillo que pediste.Here is the pickle you asked for.
- LucíaGracias, Daniel, es perfecto.Thanks, Daniel, it is perfect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pickle” translations and entries pepinillo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
