Spanish word

gamba

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈgamba/

Meaning

  • feminine nounshrimp

Example

¿Quieres probar las gambas a la plancha?

Do you want to try the grilled shrimp?

Illustration for gamba (shrimp)

More examples

Pedimos gambas al ajillo para compartir.

We ordered garlic shrimp to share.

Core concept

Whole small-to-medium shrimp with curved tail, shell and visible legs.

Common phrases

  • gambas al ajillo

    garlic shrimp

  • gambas a la plancha

    grilled shrimp

  • paella con gambas

    paella with shrimp

Similar words

camarón: Very small, tender shrimp with delicate flesh commonly used in home cooking and frozen food.
langostino: Slightly larger, long-bodied shrimp with firm meat and an attractive look, ideal for grilling.
gambón: Extra-large, meaty shrimp with a thick tail that provides a satisfying single-piece portion.

Definition in Spanish

Se usa para ciertos camarones o langostinos pequeños o medianos consumidos como alimento en diversas preparaciones.

Word origin

From Late Latin gamba 'leg', borrowed into Spanish through Catalan and related Romance forms, the word shifted from a term for a leg to the name of certain edible crustaceans.

Usage tips

  • In Spain gamba or gambas is the usual word on menus while many Latin American countries prefer camarón, and very large shrimp are often called gambón.

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