calabacín
/kalabaˈθin/
The English phrase zucchini squash is calabacín in Spanish.
Which one should you use?
While calabacín specifically refers to the green zucchini, the word calabaza is the broader term used for many types of squash and pumpkins.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, zapallito is used to refer to zucchini squash. In Mexico, the diminutive form calabacita is frequently used in culinary contexts and daily speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of calabacín is calabacines.
How do you pronounce it?
/kalabaˈθin/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, dar calabazas is an idiomatic expression meaning to reject someone's romantic advances or to fail a student.
- In some Spanish speaking regions, the term calabaza is used colloquially to describe someone who is naive or easily fooled.
- The root word calabaza comes from a term that describes a wide variety of gourds, which were used as containers and floats long before they were common food.
Examples in context
- Compré un calabacín fresco hoy.I bought a fresh zucchini squash today.
- El calabacín es ideal para la dieta.Zucchini squash is ideal for the diet.
- Necesito cortar el calabacín para la sopa.I need to cut the zucchini squash for the soup.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are in the kitchen preparing lunch.
- Sofía¿Tienes un calabacín para la ensalada?Do you have a zucchini squash for the salad?
- DanielSí, tengo uno en la nevera.Yes, I have one in the fridge.
- SofíaPerfecto, lo voy a lavar ahora.Perfect, I am going to wash it now.
- DanielGracias, Sofía, eres muy rápida.Thanks, Sofía, you are very fast.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry calabacín, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
