calabaza
/kalaˈbaθa/
The Spanish word for squash is calabaza.
calabaza refers to a type of edible gourd characterized by having fleshy pulp and seeds.
How do you pronounce it?
/kalaˈbaθa/
Did you know?
- In Spain, the phrase dar calabazas literally means 'to give pumpkins' but is used to tell someone they have been rejected or failed an exam.
- The word calabaza might not be purely European, as it may trace back to the Persian word xarbuza, which originally meant 'melon'.
- The word calabacín is a diminutive of calabaza and refers specifically to zucchini or courgette rather than a large pumpkin.
Examples in context
- Esta calabaza huele a melón.This squash smells like melon.This sentence is useful for describing the scent of a calabaza.Tatoeba #4483910 by mervert1, translation #4483909 by CK
- Disfruto cocinar con calabazaI enjoy cooking with squash
- Necesito una calabaza para la sopa.I need a squash for the soup.
- La calabaza es muy grande.The squash is very large.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are at the supermarket.
- Javier¿Viste la calabaza que compramos?Did you see the squash we bought?
- LucíaSí, es una calabaza excelente.Yes, it is an excellent squash.
- JavierVamos a cocinarla hoy.We are going to cook it today.
- LucíaMe parece una idea estupenda.I think that is a great idea.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry calabaza, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries calabaza, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
