calamar
/kalaˈmaɾ/masculine
The Spanish word for squid is calamar. Wiktionary also lists chipirón and jibión.
Meaning: sea animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| calamar | /kalaˈmaɾ/ | masculine |
| chipirón | /t͡ʃipiɾon/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| jibión | /xibjon/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The term calamar is the general noun used to describe this sea animal.
Which one should you use?
While calamar is the general term, chipirón is specifically used to refer to small or baby squid, often served as a delicacy. Additionally, jibión is another form used for this animal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Chipirones is an informal way to refer to smaller, baby squids, especially in Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of calamar is calamares. All forms provided, including calamar, chipirón and jibión, are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/kalaˈmaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word calamar comes from the ancient Greek word for 'reed' or 'ink pen'. This is because the squid's shape and its ink reminded early speakers of the pens used for writing.
- In Spain, you will often see calamares a la romana on menus. This does not mean they are from Rome, but refers to a specific style of batter-fried squid rings.
- The term chipirón is often used affectionately in Spain to describe something small and cute, moving beyond its meaning as a baby squid.
Examples in context
- Este calamar son cinco libras.This squid is five quid.This sentence shows how to use calamar when discussing the weight or price of the animal.Tatoeba #5848002 by albrusgher, translation #1334733 by Scott
- Un calamar tiene diez tentáculos.A squid has ten legs.This sentence uses calamar to describe the physical anatomy of the animal.Tatoeba #1354979 by marcelostockle, translation #569669 by CK
- ¿Cuántos tentáculos tiene un calamar?How many arms does a squid have?This sentence uses calamar to ask a question about the animal's anatomy.Tatoeba #5848004 by albrusgher, translation #2228386 by Tximist
- En el menú del restaurante, puedes encontrar exquisitos platos de calamar.On the restaurant menu, you can find exquisite squid dishes.
- En el mercado, puedes encontrar pota fresca para preparar una deliciosa receta.In the market, you can find fresh squid to prepare a delicious recipe.
- ¡Vamos a disfrutar de unos ricos calamares fritos en el bar de la esquina!Let's enjoy some delicious fried squid at the corner bar!
- En esta zona de España, los chipirones son muy populares en la gastronomía local.In this region of Spain, chipirones are very popular in the local cuisine.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are at a seafood market.
- Javier¿Está fresco este calamar?Is this squid fresh?
- LucíaSí, el calamar es del día.Yes, the squid is from today.
- JavierVoy a comprar un calamar grande.I am going to buy a large squid.
- LucíaEs una buena elección, Javier.It is a good choice, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “squid” translations and entries calamar, chipirón, jibión, 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 calamar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
