caldo
/ˈkaldo/
The English phrase "soup stock" is caldo in Spanish.
The word caldo refers to both a clear broth and a more substantial stock used as a base for soups or stews. If you are specifically referring to a fish stock or seafood bouillon, the term fumet is used.
Which one should you use?
While caldo refers to the liquid base, sopa refers specifically to the finished soup dish itself.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, fondo may be used instead of caldo de carne to refer to soup stock.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkaldo/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, caldo de piedra is a traditional soup made by heating stones in a fire and dropping them into a bowl to boil the stock instantly.
- The term fumet used for fish stock is actually a loanword from French, reflecting the influence of French haute cuisine on Spanish professional cooking.
- The word caldo shares the same Latin root as the Spanish adjective cálido, which means 'warm'.
Examples in context
- Voy a preparar una sopa con caldoI'm going to make a soup with stock
- Como buena peruana, voy a preparar un ceviche con fumet de pescado.Being a true Peruvian, I'm going to prepare a ceviche with fish stock.
- En esta receta tradicional necesitarás caldo de carne como base del guiso.In this traditional recipe, you will need soup stock as the base of the stew.
- El caldo tiene mucho sabor.The soup stock has a lot of flavor.
- Necesito comprar caldo de pollo.I need to buy chicken soup stock.
- ¿Prefieres caldo de verduras o de carne?Do you prefer vegetable or meat soup stock?
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are cooking dinner together in their kitchen.
- Lucía¿Tienes caldo para la sopa?Do you have soup stock for the soup?
- DanielSí, tengo un poco en la nevera.Yes, I have a little in the fridge.
- LucíaPerfecto, Daniel, lo usaré ahora.Perfect, Daniel, I will use it now.
- DanielMuy bien, la cena será deliciosa.Very well, dinner will be delicious.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry caldo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caldo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
