guarniciones
/ɡwaɾniθjones/from spelling rules
The English phrase "sides" is translated into Spanish as guarniciones.
In a restaurant context, guarniciones is the standard term used to describe the various side dishes available to accompany a main course. You can use the question ¿Qué guarniciones tienen? to inquire about available side options.
What does it mean word for word?
The word guarnición literally refers to a garnish or an accompaniment used to complete a dish.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form guarnición is used when referring to a single side dish.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡwaɾniθjones/
Did you know?
- The word guarnición is a homonym in Spanish. Outside of the kitchen, it refers to a military garrison or the troops stationed in a specific fortress.
- In many Latin American countries, you will rarely see guarniciones on a menu. Instead, they often use contornos, which literally means 'outlines' or 'contours'.
- Using the word acompañamientos treats the side dish as if it were a person 'accompanying' the main guest at a table.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría pedir el pollo con guarniciones, por favorI would like to order the chicken with sides, please
- El filete viene con una selección de acompañamientosThe steak comes with a selection of sides
- Vamos a preparar una barbacoa con varios acompañamientos para el picnic de mañana.We're going to prepare a barbecue with various sides for tomorrow's picnic.
- Las guarniciones son muy variadas aquí.The sides are very varied here.
- Prefiero las guarniciones de verduras.I prefer vegetable sides.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are ordering dinner at a restaurant.
- LucíaVoy a pedir el pollo asado.I am going to order the roasted chicken.
- Alejandro¿Y qué guarniciones vas a elegir, Lucía?And what sides are you going to choose, Lucía?
- LucíaQuiero papas fritas y ensalada.I want french fries and salad.
- AlejandroBuena elección, yo pediré arroz.Good choice, I will order rice.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
