Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| filete | /fiˈlete/ |
| bistec | /bisˈtek/ |
| bisté | /bisˈte/ |
These words refer to a slice of beef. Filete is often used in culinary contexts or when reading a menu, whereas bistec is a more general term for a steak.
What does it mean word for word?
The word bistec is a phonetic adaptation of the English word "steak".
Which one should you use?
While both terms mean steak, filete often implies a higher-quality, more premium cut of meat, such as a fillet, compared to the more general bistec.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Caribbean countries like the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, you may hear the informal variation bisté. In Argentina, the specific term tapa de asado is used to refer to a certain cut of beef used for grilling.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form bisté is a common regional phonetic variation of bistec.
How do you pronounce it?
/fiˈlete/
What mistakes should you avoid?
The form bisté is often a misspelling of bistec.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- El bistec está bien cocido.The steak is well done.This sentence is useful for describing how well the bistec is cooked.Tatoeba #2505902 by BoriQa, translation #50297 by CK
- Quiero un filete para cenar.I want a steak dinner.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to eat a filete for dinner.Tatoeba #4951036 by DarkHollow, translation #2011659 by CK
- Me gusta mi bistec poco cocido.I like my steak rare.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for how the bistec is cooked.Tatoeba #2505862 by BoriQa, translation #51912 by CK
- Me gustaría un bistec jugoso, por favor.I would like a juicy steak, please.
- ¡Vamos a comer unas chuletas de ternera!Let's have some beef steaks!
- Quiero algo diferente, ¿qué tal una buena carne a la parrilla?I want something different, how about a good grilled steak?
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are looking at a restaurant menu.
- LucíaMira, este filete parece delicioso.Look, this steak looks delicious.
- MateoSí, pero es muy caro.Yes, but it is very expensive.
- LucíaVoy a pedir el filete hoy.I am going to order the steak today.
- MateoEstá bien, yo pediré pollo.That's fine, I will order chicken.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “steak” translations and entries filete, bistec, bisté, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bistec, bisté, filete, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
