rodillo
/roˈdiʝo/masculine
The English phrase 'rolling pin' is translated into Spanish as rodillo. Wiktionary also lists hataca and bolillo.
Meaning: food preparation utensil (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| rodillo | /roˈdiʝo/ | masculine |
| hataca | /aˈtaka/ | feminine, obsolete |
| bolillo | /boˈliʝo/ | Ecuador, masculine |
| uslero | /usˈleɾo/ | Bolivia, Chile, masculine |
| fruslero | /fɾusleɾo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
Which one should you use?
While rodillo is the standard term used across most Spanish-speaking regions, regional variations like uslero or bolillo are preferred in specific countries.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Ecuador, the term bolillo is used to refer to a rolling pin. In Chile and Bolivia, the word uslero is commonly used for a rolling pin.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of rodillo is rodillos. To say 'a rolling pin', use the masculine indefinite article un with rodillo (un rodillo).
How do you pronounce it?
/roˈdiʝo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the rolling pin is not just a tool but a symbol of domestic authority, sometimes used metaphorically in folk sayings about discipline.
- In Mexico and other regions, bolillo refers to both a rolling pin and a very common type of crusty white bread roll.
- The word rodillo is derived from the Latin rotella, which is a diminutive form of rota meaning 'wheel'.
Examples in context
- Por favor, pásame el rodillo de amasar. Necesito extender la masa para hacer las empanadas.Please pass me the rolling pin. I need to roll out the dough to make the empanadas.
- ¿Me pasas el rodillo para estirar la masa de la pizza?Can you hand me the rolling pin to roll out the pizza dough?
- Necesito un rodillo para la masa.I need a rolling pin for the dough.
- El rodillo está sobre la mesa.The rolling pin is on the table.
- ¿Dónde guardaste el rodillo de madera?Where did you store the wooden rolling pin?
Example conversation
Javier and María are preparing cookies in the kitchen.
- Javier¿Puedes pasarme el rodillo, María?Can you pass me the rolling pin, María?
- MaríaSí, aquí tienes el rodillo.Yes, here is the rolling pin.
- JavierGracias, ahora extenderé la masa.Thanks, now I will spread the dough.
- MaríaTen cuidado de no usar mucha fuerza.Be careful not to use too much force.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rolling pin” translations and entries rodillo, hataca, bolillo, uslero, 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 bolillo, hataca, rodillo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
