Spanish word

chile

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtʃile/

Meaning

  • masculine nounchili pepper

Example

¿Dónde está el chile?

Where is the chili pepper?

Illustration for chile (chili pepper)

More examples

Añade chile en polvo si quieres más picante.

Add chili powder if you want it spicier.

Core concept

Small brightly colored Capsicum fruit used as a spicy condiment.

Common phrases

  • chile en polvo

    chili powder

  • chile verde

    green chili

  • chile rojo

    red chili

Similar words

ají: Small fiery fruit commonly used fresh or blended into salsas to give steady spicy flavor.
pimiento: Big sweet pepper eaten for its crunchy flesh and mild, sweet taste in salads and cooking.
cayena: Intensely hot pepper usually sun-dried or ground into flakes or powder for strong heat.

Definition in Spanish

Fruto picante de plantas del género Capsicum, usado como condimento en muchas cocinas y con grados de picor variables.

Word origin

The Spanish word chile comes from Nahuatl chīlli, borrowed during Spanish colonial contact to name the native Capsicum fruits.

Usage tips

  • In Mexico and Central America 'chile' is the everyday term and appears in variety names (chile poblano, chile serrano), while many South American countries more often use 'ají' for the same fruits.

Related words

  • enchilarseason with chiliverb
  • enchiladochili-spicedadjective

Word lists with this word