yema
/ˈʝema/feminine
The English word "yolk" is translated into Spanish as yema.
yema refers to the yellow of an egg. Beyond its literal culinary meaning, it can also be used metaphorically to refer to the core or heart of something.
Meaning: yellow of egg (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of yema is las yemas. As a feminine noun, it is used with feminine articles such as la.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʝema/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word yema is also the common term for the fingertip. If someone tells you to touch something with your yemas, they are referring to the tips of your fingers.
- The word yema is a doublet of gema, which means 'gem' or 'jewel'. Both words evolved from the same Latin root referring to something rounded and precious.
- In botany, yema is the term used for a bud on a plant. This use highlights the word's connection to the 'core' or 'beginning' of growth.
Examples in context
- Separó la yema de la clara.He separated the yolk from the white.This sentence shows how to use yema when separating parts of an egg.Tatoeba #9751135 by Shishir, translation #10369394 by DJ_Saidez
- La yema es la parte amarilla.The yolk is the yellow part.This sentence describes yema as the yellow part of an egg.Tatoeba #10284309 by manufrutos, translation #10282234 by CK
- La yema es lo amarillo, la clara es lo blanco.The yolk is the yellow part, the egg white is the white part.This sentence contrasts yema with the egg white.Tatoeba #6816398 by arh, translation #10241798 by LimeGreenTeknii
- Me gustaría un plato de huevos con la yema bien cocida, por favor.I would like a plate of eggs with the yolk well-cooked, please.
- La yema del huevo es rica en grasas saludables y vitamina D.The yolk of the egg is rich in healthy fats and vitamin D.
- ¿Tienes alguna opción vegetariana para el desayuno sin la yema de huevo?Do you have any vegetarian breakfast options without egg yolk?
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are making breakfast in the kitchen.
- AlejandroLa yema está muy líquida.The yolk is very runny.
- LucíaA mí me gusta así.I like it that way.
- Alejandro¿Quieres que cocine más la yema?Do you want me to cook the yolk more?
- LucíaNo, gracias, así está perfecta.No, thanks, it's perfect like this.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yolk” translations and entries yema, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries yema, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
