Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| langostino | /lanɡosˈtino/ | masculine |
| gamba | /ˈɡamba/ | feminine |
| camarón | /kamaˈɾon/ | masculine |
| langostín | /lanɡostin/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The terms used for prawn or shrimp in Spanish vary depending on the size of the crustacean and the region you are in.
Which one should you use?
In culinary contexts in Spain, gamba is the most common term for prawns or shrimp. In most of Latin America, camarón is the standard term used for these animals. langostino specifically refers to larger varieties, such as king prawns.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may encounter the term Cigala to refer to a specific type of prawn or langoustine. camarón is the standard term throughout most of Latin America, whereas gamba is the preferred term in Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine noun gamba becomes gambas in the plural. The masculine nouns camarón and langostino become camarones and langostinos respectively when referring to multiple prawns.
How do you pronounce it?
/lanɡosˈtino/
Did you know?
- In Chile, gamba can be a slang term for 100 pesos because the old 100 peso banknote was the color of a shrimp.
- While gamba is a common way to say prawn in Spain, it is also the Italian word for 'leg'.
Examples in context
- El cóctel de gambas estaba delicioso.The prawn cocktail was delicious.This sentence is useful for describing a prawn cocktail using the form gamba.Tatoeba #1712133 by teskmon, translation #1527866 by CM
- El restaurante ofrece langostinos frescos en su menú.The restaurant offers fresh prawns in its menu.
- Voy a preparar una paella con camarones.I'm going to cook a paella with prawns.
- He comprado un langostino muy grande.I have bought a very large prawn.
- ¿Quieres un langostino a la plancha?Do you want a grilled prawn?
Example conversation
Javier and María are deciding what to order at a seafood restaurant.
- Javier¿Qué prefieres comer, María?What do you prefer to eat, María?
- MaríaMe gustaría probar un langostino.I would like to try a prawn.
- JavierEl langostino de aquí es excelente.The prawn here is excellent.
- MaríaEntonces, pediré ese plato.Then, I will order that dish.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “prawn” translations and entries langostino, gamba, camarón, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries camarón, gamba, langostino, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
