carne molida para tacos
/kaɾne molida paɾa takos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "taco beef" is translated into Spanish as carne molida para tacos.
This phrase refers specifically to ground beef that has been seasoned and is intended to be used as a filling for tacos.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of carne (meat), molida (ground) and para tacos (for tacos).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Spanish-speaking regions, you may encounter the alternative carne picada para tacos, which uses carne picada to mean ground meat.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective molida must agree in gender with the feminine noun carne.
Did you know?
- In traditional Mexican cuisine, carne for tacos is often slow-cooked and shredded rather than ground. Ground beef is a more modern adaptation influenced by Tex-Mex styles.
- The Spanish word carne refers to both 'meat' and 'flesh'. This is why the same word is used for a steak and for the skin or muscle of a living being.
- The word carne is a distant relative of the English word 'carnivorous'. Both come from the Latin 'carnem' meaning 'flesh'.
Examples in context
- Necesito carne de res para tacos, por favorI need taco beef, please
- Necesito comprar carne molida para tacos.I need to buy taco beef.
- La carne molida para tacos está lista.The taco beef is ready.
- ¿Prefieres solo carne molida para tacos o con verduras?Do you prefer just taco beef or with vegetables?
Example conversation
A kitchen while preparing dinner for a party.
- Alejandro¿Ya preparaste la carne molida para tacos, Elena?Have you already prepared the taco beef, Elena?
- ElenaSí, Alejandro, ya está en la estufa.Yes, Alejandro, it is already on the stove.
- AlejandroPerfecto, huele muy bien.Perfect, it smells very good.
- ElenaGracias, espero que te guste.Thanks, I hope you like it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carne, para, CC BY-SA 4.0.
