queso Oaxaca
/keso oaɡsaka/from spelling rules
The English phrase "string cheese" is translated into Spanish as queso Oaxaca.
While 'string cheese' in English often refers to processed snack cheese, queso Oaxaca refers to a traditional Mexican cheese that is often pulled into strands for cooking.
Meaning: cheese (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions of Mexico, queso de la hebra is used for string cheese.
When do people say it?
In Mexico, the closest equivalent to the texture of string cheese is queso Oaxaca, which is a semi-hard, unaged cheese used for melting.
Did you know?
- The word Oaxaca is derived from a Nahuatl term meaning 'place of the horse tamarind tree' or 'the nose of the hill'.
- In Mexican markets, queso Oaxaca is often sold wrapped in tight plastic spheres to maintain its moisture and shape.
- While Americans often peel string cheese, Mexicans often shred queso Oaxaca by hand into a nest of strands before adding it to a pan.
Examples in context
- Me gusta mucho el queso Oaxaca.I really like Oaxaca cheese.
- ¿Compraste el queso Oaxaca para la cena?Did you buy the Oaxaca cheese for dinner?
Example conversation
María and Daniel are deciding what to put in their quesadillas.
- MaríaDaniel, ¿tenemos queso Oaxaca?Daniel, do we have Oaxaca cheese?
- DanielSí, hay un poco en el refrigerador.Yes, there is a little bit in the refrigerator.
- MaríaPerfecto, voy a usar queso Oaxaca.Perfect, I am going to use Oaxaca cheese.
- DanielMe parece una buena idea, María.That sounds like a good idea, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Oaxaca, queso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
