tirabeques
/tiɾabekes/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'snow peas' is translated into Spanish as tirabeques.
This term refers to the edible immature pods of the pea plant that are harvested before the seeds develop.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In South American countries such as Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, the formal term Arvejas de Nieve is used. In Latin American countries like Ecuador and Colombia, the informal term Arvejitas de Nieve is common. In Costa Rica, snow peas are specifically called chayotes chinos.
How do you pronounce it?
/tiɾabekes/
Did you know?
- In Costa Rica, chayotes chinos means 'Chinese chayotes', but the vegetable is actually a pea and has no botanical relation to the squash-like chayote.
- The word tirabeques is so specialized that a shopper in a typical Spanish supermarket would likely be more successful asking for arvejas or guisantes and describing the flat pod.
- While the English name uses 'snow' to describe the pods, many Spanish speakers in South America avoid 'snow' entirely and instead use the diminutive arvejitas to imply the vegetable's small, tender nature.
Examples in context
- Me gusta añadir guisantes de nieve a mis ensaladas.I like to add snow peas to my salads.
- ¿Me podrías pasar las arvejas de nieve para el salteado?Could you pass me the snow peas for the stir-fry?
- Los chícharos de nieve son perfectos para esta receta de salmón.The snow peas are perfect for this salmon recipe.
- ¡Las arvejitas de nieve le dan un toque fresco a este revuelto!The snow peas give a fresh touch to this scramble!
- Compré tirabeques para la ensalada.I bought snow peas for the salad.
- Los tirabeques están muy frescos.The snow peas are very fresh.
- No me gustan mucho los tirabeques.I don't like snow peas very much.
Example conversation
María and Javier are planning a dinner menu.
- MaríaJavier, ¿qué verduras usamos para la cena?Javier, what vegetables are we using for dinner?
- JavierPodemos cocinar unos tirabeques con soja.We could cook some snow peas with soy sauce.
- MaríaMe parece una idea excelente.I think that is an excellent idea.
- JavierVoy a buscar los tirabeques en la nevera.I am going to look for the snow peas in the fridge.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
