Spanish Conversation · Level 82
60 words
Spanish word
especia
Pronunciation
IPA/esˈpeθja/
Meaning
- feminine nounspice
Example
¿Qué especia prefieres, la pimienta o la canela?
Which spice do you prefer, pepper or cinnamon?
More examples
Añade una cucharadita de especia al guiso.
Add a teaspoon of spice to the stew.
Core concept
Dried aromatic plant part used in small amounts to flavor food.
Common phrases
especia molida
ground spice
cucharadita de especia
teaspoon of spice
especia picante
hot spice
Similar words
condimento: Ingredient added to food to season or enhance its flavor, used while cooking or at the table.
hierba: Aromatic herb leaves or stems, typically fresh, used to scent dishes and impart a subtle herb taste.
sazonador: Compact flavoring mix or liquid seasoning designed for quick, convenient flavor adjustment.
Definition in Spanish
Sustancia aromática, por lo general vegetal y seca, que se usa en pequeñas cantidades para dar sabor o aroma a los alimentos.
Word origin
It derives from Latin species 'types, goods', and medieval Spanish uses the term for fragrant market goods before the meaning narrows to culinary spices.
Usage tips
- Spanish commonly uses the plural 'especias' or specific names like pimienta or canela when discussing spices, and the singular 'especia' often sounds less natural.
Opposites
- insipidezblandnessnoun
Related words
- especiarseasonverb
- especiadospicedadjective
- especierospice jarnoun