sartén
/saɾˈten/feminine, masculine
The Spanish word for skillet is sartén. If unsure, use sartén. Wiktionary also lists paila and freidera.
Meaning: pan for frying (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sartén | /saɾˈten/ | feminine, masculine |
| paila | /ˈpaila/ | feminine |
| freidera | /fɾeideɾa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| fridera | /fɾideɾa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
A skillet is a pan used for frying. You can specify the type of pan by adding adjectives, such as sartén antiadherente for a non-stick skillet.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In several Latin American countries, such as Colombia and Venezuela, the term paila is used to refer to a specific type of shallow pan or skillet. In Spain, a cast-iron skillet is often called sartén de hierro.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word sartén can be used as both a masculine and a feminine noun. In standard Spanish, it is most commonly used as a feminine noun, la sartén, though el sartén is also widely accepted.
How do you pronounce it?
/saɾˈten/
Did you know?
- The word paila is a linguistic relative of the famous Spanish rice dish paella, as both evolved from the same Latin word patella meaning a small pan.
- In some Latin American cultures, a paila is not just a pan but a specialized tool essential for frying plantains or reducing sweets to a thick consistency.
Examples in context
- El chef utilizó una sartén para cocinar la carne.The chef used a skillet to cook the meat.
- Esta sartén de hierro es perfecta para hacer tortillas.This cast-iron skillet is perfect for making tortillas.
- Necesito una sartén para cocinar los huevos.I need a skillet to cook the eggs.
- La sartén está muy caliente.The skillet is very hot.
- ¿Dónde pusiste la sartén limpia?Where did you put the clean skillet?
Example conversation
In the kitchen while preparing breakfast.
- MateoLucía, ¿puedes pasarme la sartén?Lucía, can you pass me the skillet?
- LucíaSí, Mateo, aquí la tienes.Yes, Mateo, here it is.
- MateoGracias, voy a freír la carne ahora.Thanks, I am going to fry the meat now.
- LucíaTen cuidado de no quemarte.Be careful not to burn yourself.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “skillet” translations and entries sartén, paila, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries paila, sartén, CC BY-SA 4.0.
