pollo
/ˈpoʝo/
The Spanish word pollo means "chicken" (the bird raised for meat or eggs).
pollo refers to the bird used for meat or eggs.
Which one should you use?
While pollo is the standard term, you might use pollito to refer to a chick or a little chicken, often to add a sense of endearing affection. For a more formal way to describe poultry or domestic fowl, use the phrase Ave de corral.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the specific term pollo de campo is used to refer to free-range chicken.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of pollo is pollos, meaning "chickens".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpoʝo/
Did you know?
- The phrase está pollo is used in some Caribbean dialects to describe someone who is very young or immature, regardless of whether they are a bird.
- The word pollo is inherited from the Latin word pullus, which originally described any young animal, not just birds.
- In some Spanish culinary contexts, a 'pollo asado' is not just a roasted chicken, but is often a specific street-food category with its own dedicated stands and unique seasoning traditions.
Examples in context
- Mis hijos adoran los nuggets de pollo.My kids love chicken nuggets.
- El pollo está muy rico.The chicken is very tasty.
- El pollo es muy saludable.Chicken is very healthy.
- Compré un pollo para la cena.I bought a chicken for dinner.
- Me gusta el pollo con arroz.I like chicken with rice.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are deciding what to cook for lunch.
- Alejandro¿Quieres comer pollo hoy?Do you want to eat chicken today?
- LucíaSí, suena muy bien.Yes, that sounds very good.
- AlejandroYo preparo el pollo, entonces.I will prepare the chicken, then.
- LucíaGracias, Alejandro, eres muy amable.Thanks, Alejandro, you are very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pollo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pollo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
