queso curado
/keso kuɾado/from spelling rules
The English phrase "sharp cheese" is translated into Spanish as queso curado.
queso curado is used to describe cheese that has a strong, pungent flavor resulting from a long aging process.
Which one should you use?
While queso curado refers to aged, sharp cheese, you might also use queso fuerte if you want to emphasize the intensity of the flavor rather than the aging process. In contrast, queso fresco refers to soft, mild and unaged cheese.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the term curado is also used to describe someone who is a 'seasoned' veteran or an expert in a particular field. This mirrors the way cheese becomes more refined as it ages.
- While English uses 'sharp' to describe flavor, using the Spanish word afilado (the literal translation of sharp) to describe cheese would be nonsensical and confusing to a native speaker.
- The word curado comes from the same Latin root as the English word 'cure', which is why it describes both the aging of cheese and the healing of a wound.
Examples in context
- Este queso curado es muy intenso.This sharp cheese is very intense.
- Prefiero comprar un queso curado.I prefer to buy a sharp cheese.
- El sabor del queso curado es delicioso.The flavor of the sharp cheese is delicious.
Example conversation
In a Spanish deli shop.
- María¿Buscas un queso curado, Daniel?Are you looking for a sharp cheese, Daniel?
- DanielSí, quiero uno que sea fuerte.Yes, I want one that is strong.
- MaríaTengo este queso curado excelente.I have this excellent sharp cheese.
- DanielPerfecto, me lo llevo.Perfect, I'll take it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries curado, queso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
