carne roja
/ˌkaɾne ˈroxa/feminine
The Spanish phrase for "red meat" is carne roja.
Other specific cuts of meat include Filete (fillet steak) and Chuleta (rib chop).
Meaning: meat (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of carne (meat) and roja (red).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because carne is a feminine noun, the adjective roja must also be in its feminine form. When using the definite article, you would say la carne roja.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌkaɾne ˈroxa/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the word carne used alone often refers specifically to beef, even without the word roja.
- In Spain, the adjective roja is famously used as a nickname for the national football team, La Roja, a title coined by manager Luis Aragonés to give the team a distinct identity.
- The word carne shares the same ancient roots as the English word 'carnal', which is why both languages use the term to refer to the physical body or flesh.
Examples in context
- Tom no come carne roja.Tom doesn't eat red meat.This sentence is useful for describing someone's dietary habits regarding carne roja.Tatoeba #5036787 by Shishir, translation #3170652 by CK
- Generalmente no como carne roja.I don't usually eat red meat.This sentence is useful for expressing a general habit of not eating carne roja.Tatoeba #1173648 by Shishir, translation #953442 by CK
- Deberías comer menos carne roja.You should eat less red meat.This sentence is useful for giving advice about the consumption of carne roja.Tatoeba #4010299 by hayastan, translation #4010257 by Hybrid
- En este restaurante sirven una gran variedad de carnes rojas.In this restaurant they serve a great variety of red meats.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are deciding what to order at a restaurant.
- MateoMe gustaría comer carne roja hoy.I would like to eat red meat today.
- LucíaYo prefiero pedir pescado, Mateo.I prefer to order fish, Mateo.
- Mateo¿No te gusta la carne roja?Do you not like red meat?
- LucíaMe gusta, pero quiero algo ligero.I like it, but I want something light.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “red meat” translations and entries carne roja, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carne, roja, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
