camarón
/kamaˈɾon/masculine
The Spanish word for shrimp is camarón.
The term camarón refers to the flesh of the crustacean.
Meaning: flesh of the crustacean (noun)
Which one should you use?
While camarón is used widely in Latin America, the word gambas is commonly used in Spain to refer to similar small crustaceans.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of camarón is camarones.
How do you pronounce it?
/kamaˈɾon/
When do people say it?
The phrase Camarón que se duerme, la corriente se lo lleva is a popular Spanish proverb used to warn that one must stay alert and proactive to avoid missing opportunities.
Did you know?
- The world-famous flamenco guitarist Camarón de la Isla took his stage name from the word for 'shrimp'. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of flamenco music.
- The suffix -ón in camarón serves a dual purpose: it is part of the word's historical evolution from Latin, but in Spanish, the suffix -ón is also commonly used to denote something that is 'large'.
- The proverb Camarón que se duerme, la corriente se lo lleva is so common that it is often used in business and political contexts to describe a lack of competitiveness.
Examples in context
- Tom desconchó el camarón.Tom shelled the shrimp.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use the verb for shelling the camarón.Tatoeba #1166974 by marcelostockle, translation #1164214 by CK
- Camarón que se duerme, la corriente se lo lleva.The shrimp that falls asleep is carried away by the current.This sentence provides a version of a popular proverb using camarón.Tatoeba #5448904 by albrusgher, translation #5988164 by Adelpa
- Camarón que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente.The shrimp that falls asleep is swept away by the current.This sentence provides an alternative phrasing of the same popular proverb using camarón.Tatoeba #1920038 by kkm3105, translation #5988450 by Adelpa
- En algunos restaurantes elegantes, ofrecen una exquisita pasta con langostinos.In some fancy restaurants, they offer an exquisite pasta with prawns.
- Me encanta la paella de gambas que sirven en este restaurante.I love the shrimp paella they serve at this restaurant.
- Mi tío sabe cocinar camarones al ajillo como nadie más.My uncle knows how to cook shrimp with garlic like no one else.
- ¿Quieres probar estas deliciosas camaritas apanadas que preparé?Do you want to try these delicious breaded little shrimps that I made?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are looking at a menu at a restaurant.
- AlejandroMe gusta mucho el camarón al ajillo.I really like shrimp with garlic.
- ElenaYo prefiero el camarón empanizado.I prefer breaded shrimp.
- AlejandroEntonces pidamos un plato de cada uno.Then let's order one dish of each.
- ElenaMe parece una idea perfecta, Alejandro.I think that's a perfect idea, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shrimp” translations and entries camarón, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
