karité
/kaɾiˈte/
The Spanish word for shea is karité.
The term karité refers to the shea fruit. If you are referring specifically to the fat extracted from the fruit, known as shea butter, use the phrase manteca de karité.
Meaning: fruit (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾiˈte/
Did you know?
- The word manteca in manteca de karité usually refers to lard or pork fat in many Spanish-speaking countries, but when paired with karité, it describes a plant-based vegetable fat.
- The word 'karité' is a loanword from the French 'karité', which itself originates from the West African languages of the region where the tree grows.
- In Spanish-speaking cosmetic industries, you will often see 'manteca de karité' used on labels instead of 'mantequilla', as 'manteca' refers specifically to vegetable or animal fats.
Examples in context
- El aceite de karité es muy bueno para la piel.Shea butter is very good for the skin.
- Esta crema contiene manteca de karité.This cream contains shea butter.
- Busco un jabón hecho con karité.I am looking for a soap made with shea.
Example conversation
Lucía is looking at cosmetics in a boutique.
- Javier¿Te gusta esa crema, Lucía?Do you like that cream, Lucía?
- LucíaSí, tiene manteca de karité.Yes, it has shea butter.
- JavierEs excelente para hidratar.It is excellent for moisturizing.
- LucíaPor eso la voy a comprar.That is why I am going to buy it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry karité, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
