hacer palomitas
/aθeɾ palomitas/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'popping popcorn' is translated into Spanish as hacer palomitas.
This phrase refers to the act of heating corn kernels until they burst to create a snack. Because Spanish does not use a specific verb for the physical 'popping' action in this context, the verb hacer (to make) is used instead.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase hacer palomitas literally means 'to make popcorn'.
Which one should you use?
While palomitas is the most common way to refer to the snack, you can use the more explicit and formal term palomitas de maíz. In certain regions, different nouns are used entirely.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, palomitas is a shortened form of palomitas de maíz. In Argentina and Uruguay, the term pochoclo is used instead of palomitas.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the continuous action of 'making popcorn' (the gerund), use the form haciendo palomitas.
How do you pronounce it?
/aθeɾ palomitas/
Did you know?
- The common term palomitas is a diminutive of paloma, meaning 'dove', because the popped corn resembles small white birds.
- In Peru and Colombia, the snack is often called canchita, a term derived from the Quechua word for 'corn'.
- The word pochoclo used in the Rio de la Plata region is an onomatopoeia, designed to imitate the actual sound of the corn bursting.
Examples in context
- Me gusta hacer palomitas de maíz para disfrutar durante la película.I like making popcorn to enjoy during the movie.
- Vamos a preparar palomitas de maíz para la reunión.We're going to prepare popcorn for the gathering.
- El chef experto cocina palomitas de maíz de una manera única.The expert chef cooks popcorn in a unique way.
- En el cumpleaños de Juan siempre hacemos pochoclos para compartir.We always make popcorn to share at Juan's birthday party.
- Ven a casa esta noche y hacemos palomitas para ver la serie.Come to my place tonight, and we'll make popcorn to watch the TV series.
- Voy a hacer palomitas para la película.I am going to make popcorn for the movie.
- Me encanta el olor cuando vas a hacer palomitas.I love the smell when you go to make popcorn.
Example conversation
A living room during a movie night.
- ElenaJavier, ¿puedes hacer palomitas para nosotros?Javier, can you make popcorn for us?
- JavierSí, Elena, ahora mismo las preparo.Yes, Elena, I will prepare them right now.
- ElenaGracias, me encanta cuando haces palomitas.Thanks, I love it when you make popcorn.
- JavierDe nada, ya casi están listas.You're welcome, they are almost ready.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
