calabaza
neutral, Mexico
In Mexican Spanish "pumpkin" is calabaza. The large orange type used for cooking is often called calabaza de Castilla.
Meaning: large orange squash (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| calabaza | neutral, Mexico |
| calabaza de Castilla | cooking pumpkin |
Calabaza is the word for the Halloween pumpkin and for the vegetable. In Mexico, calabacita is the small green zucchini, so do not mix them up.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Using calabacita for a pumpkin will confuse a cook, because it is a different, smaller vegetable.
When do people say it?
During Day of the Dead, a traditional sweet dish is calabaza en tacha, made with piloncillo and cinnamon.
Did you know?
- Calabaza en tacha is a classic dessert for the Day of the Dead season in Mexico.
Examples in context
- Compré una calabaza grande.I bought a big pumpkin.
- La calabaza en tacha es muy dulce.Candied pumpkin is very sweet.
- Hicimos una calabaza de Halloween.We made a Halloween pumpkin.
Example conversation
Lorena and her son Diego choose pumpkins at a market in Toluca.
- DiegoMamá, quiero esta calabaza.Mom, I want this pumpkin.
- LorenaEstá muy grande, ¿para qué?It is very big, what for?
- DiegoPara hacer calabaza en tacha.To make candied pumpkin.
