cebollas rojas
/θeboʝas ɾoxas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "red onions" is cebollas rojas in Spanish.
This phrase is used to describe onions that feature a purple or red skin and flesh.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the plural noun cebollas (onions) and the plural adjective rojas (reds).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, cebolla morada is often used. In the Basque Country, cebolla morada de Zalla may be used to refer to a regional variety from the town of Zalla.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the singular form, cebolla roja (red onion), the adjective must also be singular to match the noun. In many Spanish-speaking regions, it is more common to use the adjective moradas (purple) instead of rojas (red) to describe these onions, such as in cebollas moradas.
How do you pronounce it?
/θeboʝas ɾoxas/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American contexts, cebollas moradas are a primary ingredient in curtido, a pickled relish used to cut through the richness of fatty meats.
- The specific variety cebolla morada de Zalla is a protected regional specialty in the Basque Country, highlighting how even a common onion can have high-status geographical designations in Spanish.
- While 'red' is the standard English term, Spanish speakers frequently describe these onions as moradas (purple) because they perceive the color as a deep violet.
Examples in context
- ¿Tienes cebollas rojas para la ensalada?Do you have red onions for the salad?
- Podrías añadir cebolla colorada a la receta?Could you add red onions to the recipe?
- Me encanta la ensalada con cebolla morada.I love the salad with red onions.
- Necesito comprar cebollas rojas para la ensalada.I need to buy red onions for the salad.
- ¿Tienes cebollas rojas en la nevera?Do you have red onions in the fridge?
- Las cebollas rojas son más dulces.Red onions are sweeter.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are in the grocery store.
- ElenaMateo, ¿puedes buscar las cebollas rojas?Mateo, can you look for the red onions?
- MateoSí, Elena, las veo en el pasillo de verduras.Yes, Elena, I see them in the vegetable aisle.
- ElenaPerfecto, trae solo dos cebollas rojas.Perfect, just bring two red onions.
- MateoDe acuerdo, ya voy para allá.Okay, I'm heading there now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
