cóctel de camarones
/koɡtel de kamaɾones/from spelling rules
Shrimp cocktail in Spanish is cóctel de camarones.
The phrase refers to a chilled appetizer consisting of cooked shrimp served with a tangy sauce.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cóctel (cocktail), de (of) and camarones (shrimps).
Which one should you use?
In many Latin American countries, you may frequently see the singular form cóctel de camarón used, even when the dish contains multiple shrimp.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, shrimp cocktail is often referred to as cóctel de gambas.
How do you pronounce it?
/koɡtel de kamaɾones/
Did you know?
- While cóctel de camarones is a specific dish, the word camarón is also used in the common idiom camarón que se duerme se lo lleva la corriente, meaning those who are lazy miss their opportunities.
- In a traditional Mexican cóctel de camarones, the sauce is often a blend of ketchup and clam juice, a combination that differs significantly from the Marie Rose sauce used in European versions.
- In many coastal regions of Mexico and Central America, a cóctel de camarones is not a small appetizer but a hearty main course served in a large glass with diced avocado, onion and tomato.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría ordenar un cocktail de camarones, por favor.I would like to order a shrimp cocktail, please.
- ¿Alguna vez ha probado un cocktail de camarones?Have you ever tried a shrimp cocktail?
- El cóctel de camarones está muy fresco.The shrimp cocktail is very fresh.
- ¿Quieres pedir un cóctel de camarones de entrada?Do you want to order a shrimp cocktail as an appetizer?
- Trajeron un cóctel de camarones con salsa picante.They brought a shrimp cocktail with spicy sauce.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are at a seafood restaurant.
- MateoLucía, ¿compartimos un cóctel de camarones?Lucía, shall we share a shrimp cocktail?
- LucíaSí, suena como una idea excelente.Yes, that sounds like an excellent idea.
- MateoEl cóctel de camarones se ve delicioso.The shrimp cocktail looks delicious.
- Lucía¡Qué rico! Me encanta la salsa.How delicious! I love the sauce.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
