Spanish word

chanquete

Pronunciation

IPA/tʃaŋˈkete/

Meaning

  • masculine nounwhitebait

Example

Me gustan los chanquetes fritos.

I like fried whitebait.

Illustration for chanquete (whitebait)

More examples

¿Has probado los chanquetes en la costa?

Have you tried whitebait on the coast?

Core concept

Small fried whole sea fish served as a tapa or ración.

Similar words

pescadito: Small whole fish that are fried whole and offered as a small plate or tapa.
boquerón: Small silvery fish species that are typically sold fresh or preserved for cooking.
anchoa: Thin strips of anchovy cured in salt or oil and served as a preserved condiment.

Definition in Spanish

Se usa para un pez marino pequeño que suele comerse frito y entero, especialmente como tapa o ración.

Word origin

The name is a colloquial formation that uses the diminutive suffix -ete on a regional coastal root and denotes very small sea fish traditionally eaten fried and whole.

Usage tips

  • Menus often use more general labels such as 'pescaditos fritos' when chanquetes is not a familiar local name.

Word lists with this word