calamar
everyday
The word for squid is calamar. On menus in Mexico the dish is usually plural, as in calamares fritos or calamares a la plancha. It is also called Calamares.
Meaning: sea animal with tentacles (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| calamar | everyday |
| Calamares | as food, plural |
The animal is el calamar, and when it is cooked people often use the plural. Mexican seafood places serve it fried, grilled or in a cocktail.
Which one should you use?
Calamar is squid and pulpo is octopus. They are different animals and different words.
Did you know?
- The word calamar comes from the Latin calamarium, meaning "pen case", because of the squid's ink and shape.
Examples in context
- El calamar vive en aguas profundas.The squid lives in deep water.
- Pedimos calamares fritos.We ordered fried squid.
- ¿Prefieres pulpo o calamar?Do you prefer octopus or squid?
Example conversation
Iván and Daniela look at the menu at a seafood restaurant in Mazatlán.
- Iván¿Qué pedimos de entrada?What do we order as a starter?
- DanielaUnos calamares fritos.Some fried squid.
- IvánPerfecto, y una cerveza.Perfect, and a beer.
