tomates pera
/tomates peɾa/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'plum tomatoes' is translated into Spanish as tomates pera.
This phrase refers to an oval-shaped variety of tomato characterized by a firmer texture and fewer seeds.
What does it mean word for word?
The expression is a compound noun where pera (pear) is used to describe the shape of the tomatoes.
Which one should you use?
When referring to a single tomato, you use the singular form tomate pera. In this case, the adjective pera remains singular while the noun tomate is singular.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, especially in Andalusia, tomates de pera is an alternate way to refer to plum tomatoes.
How do you pronounce it?
/tomates peɾa/
Did you know?
- The word pera actually stems from the Latin *pira, which was the plural form of the word for pear, but it was reanalyzed into a feminine singular noun in Spanish.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, tomate pera is the preferred choice for making traditional sauces because its lower water content prevents the sauce from becoming too runny.
- If you are looking for these tomatoes in a commercial setting, they might be labeled as tomates Roma to match international trade standards rather than using the shape-based name.
Examples in context
- ¿Podría darme algunos tomates italianos, por favor?Could you give me some plum tomatoes, please?
- ¿Me pasas los tomates de perita, por favor?Can you pass me the plum tomatoes, please?
- Voy a preparar una deliciosa ensalada con jitomates peritas.I'm going to make a delicious salad with plum tomatoes.
- Vamos a utilizar unos tomates de pera frescos para el gazpacho.We'll use some fresh plum tomatoes for the gazpacho.
- Me gustaría comprar medio kilo de tomates italianos bien maduros.I would like to buy half a kilo of ripe plum tomatoes.
- Necesito comprar tomates pera para la salsa.I need to buy plum tomatoes for the sauce.
- Los tomates pera son mejores para cocinar.Plum tomatoes are better for cooking.
- En el mercado venden tomates pera muy frescos.At the market, they sell very fresh plum tomatoes.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are planning a dinner at home.
- Sofía¿Tienes tomates pera en la cocina?Do you have any plum tomatoes in the kitchen?
- AlejandroNo, pero puedo ir a la tienda ahora.No, but I can go to the store now.
- SofíaGracias, Alejandro, eso sería de gran ayuda.Thank you, Alejandro, that would be a great help.
- AlejandroDe nada, traeré los tomates que pediste.You're welcome, I'll bring the tomatoes you asked for.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pera, CC BY-SA 4.0.
