Spanish word

empanada

Pronunciation

IPA/empaˈnaða/

Meaning

  • feminine nounturnover

Example

En la feria venden empanadas muy ricas.

At the fair they sell very tasty turnovers.

Illustration for empanada (turnover)

More examples

Voy a comer empanadas después del trabajo.

I'm going to eat empanadas after work.

Core concept

Folded pastry pocket containing a single portion of savory or sweet filling.

Common phrases

  • comprar empanadas

    buy empanadas

  • hacer empanadas

    make empanadas

  • empanadas para llevar

    empanadas to go

Similar words

sándwich: Two slices or pieces of bread enclosing cold or hot fillings, eaten by hand as a quick snack.
bocadillo: Long roll split and filled with meats, cheeses, or vegetables, eaten by hand as a substantial snack.
empanadilla: Small folded pastry pocket with a light savory or sweet filling, baked or fried as a snack.
tapa: Small plated appetizer or bar snack served in modest portions to share or sample.

Definition in Spanish

Porción de masa sellada que encierra un relleno variado y se sirve como comida individual, tapa o comida para llevar.

Word origin

From Spanish empanada, from the verb empanar (en- 'in' + pan 'bread'), originally meaning something wrapped in bread or dough.

Usage tips

  • Menus and vendors often list empanadas by filling (for example de carne or de jamón y queso), so identifying the filling avoids surprises.

Other meanings

  • hand pienoun

Related words

  • empanarcoat in breadcrumbsverb
  • empanadocoated in breadcrumbsadjective
  • empanadillamini empanadanoun

Word lists with this word