olla
/ˈoʝa/feminine
The English word 'pot' can be translated into Spanish as olla. If unsure, use olla. Wiktionary also lists pote and perol (semispherical).
Meaning: vessel for cooking or storing food etc. (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| olla | /ˈoʝa/ | feminine |
| pote | /ˈpote/ | masculine |
| perol (semispherical) | masculine |
In Spanish, the term you choose depends on whether you are talking about a vessel for cooking liquids or a container for storage. Additionally, the informal diminutive ollita can be used affectionately to refer to a small or cute pot.
Which one should you use?
olla is the standard term for a cooking pot typically used for liquids or stews. In contrast, pote refers more to a small container, jar or pot used for storage rather than heavy cooking.
Is it said differently in some regions?
perol is a more colloquial or regional term for a vessel or pot, often implying a somewhat crude or old container.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural forms for these words are ollas, potes and peroles respectively.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈoʝa/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, the phrase está en la olla is used as an idiom to describe someone who is in a desperate situation or is 'doomed'.
- In certain regions, the term perol can be used to refer to an old or unreliable car, treating the vehicle as if it were a piece of junk cookware.
- The word olla is used in the name of the traditional dish olla podrida, which literally translates to 'rotten pot'.
Examples in context
- La olla está hirviendo.The pot is boiling over.This sentence is useful for describing a pot that is boiling over using olla.Tatoeba #3371827 by marcelostockle, translation #33415 by CK
- Esta olla no tiene tapa.This pot has no lid.This sentence is useful for noting the absence of a lid on a pot using olla.Tatoeba #1691576 by hayastan, translation #10936974 by JeanM
- La olla estaba hirviendo.The pot was boiling.This sentence is useful for describing a pot that was boiling using olla.Tatoeba #1702971 by marcelostockle, translation #3763347 by cromwellt
- Para hacer una sopa, necesitas una buena olla.To make soup, you need a good pot.
- Voy a cocinar la salsa en una cacerola.I am going to cook the sauce in a pot.
- El pote de mi abuela es perfecto para preparar guisos.My grandmother's pot is perfect for making stews.
- Voy a calentar la leche en la ollita pequeña.I am going to heat the milk in the small pot.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a kitchen while preparing lunch.
- María¿Dónde está la olla para la sopa?Where is the pot for the soup?
- DanielLa olla está en el estante de arriba.The pot is on the top shelf.
- MaríaGracias, Daniel.Thank you, Daniel.
- DanielDe nada, María.You're welcome, María.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pot” translations and entries olla, pote, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
