guarnición
/ɡwaɾniˈθjon/
The English phrase "side order" is translated into Spanish as guarnición.
The word guarnición is used to refer to the accompaniment or side dish that comes with a main meal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Guarnición is a formal term for side order, especially in Latin American countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of guarnición is guarniciones.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡwaɾniˈθjon/
Did you know?
- In a military context, guarnición refers to a 'garrison', which is the group of troops stationed in a fortress to defend it.
- The Spanish guarnición is more substantial than an English 'garnish'. While a 'garnish' is often just a decorative sprig of parsley, a guarnición is a significant part of the meal.
- The word guarnición shares an ancestor with the English word 'warn', as both stem from the idea of being prepared or protected.
Examples in context
- Papas fritas como acompañamientoFrench fries as a side
- Pediré un filete con arroz de guarniciónI will order a steak with rice as a side
- ¿Puede traer una guarnición de patatas?Can you bring a side order of potatoes?
- Prefiero una guarnición de verduras al vapor.I prefer a side order of steamed vegetables.
Example conversation
A couple is ordering food at a restaurant.
- SofíaJavier, ¿quieres una guarnición de arroz con tu plato?Javier, do you want a side order of rice with your dish?
- JavierNo, gracias, solo quiero la carne.No, thank you, I only want the meat.
- SofíaYo sí voy a pedir una guarnición de pasta.I am going to order a side order of pasta.
- JavierEstá bien, yo pediré solo el filete.That's fine, I will just order the steak.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry guarnición, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries guarnición, CC BY-SA 4.0.
