Spanish word

marinar

Pronunciation

IPA/maɾiˈnaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbmarinate

Example

Voy a marinar las verduras en aceite y vinagre.

I am going to marinate the vegetables in oil and vinegar.

Illustration for marinar (marinate)

More examples

Deja marinar el pollo durante dos horas para que tenga más sabor.

Leave the chicken to marinate for two hours so that it has more flavor.

Core concept

Meat or vegetables sitting in an acidic, oil, or wine-based marinade.

Common phrases

  • marinar la carne

    marinate the meat

  • marinar pescado

    marinate fish

  • marinar durante la noche

    marinate overnight

Similar words

adobar: Coats food in a spice-and-sauce mixture to season and add bold savory flavor.
sazonar: Adds salt and spices to food to adjust, enhance, or balance its basic taste.
aliñar: Dresses salads or vegetables with oil, vinegar, or dressing to lightly season and finish them.

Definition in Spanish

Dejar alimentos en una marinada líquida durante un tiempo para que tomen sabor y, a veces, se ablanden.

Word origin

Borrowed into Spanish via Italian or Old French from Latin marinus 'of the sea', the verb denotes placing food in a seasoned liquid so it absorbs flavor and can become more tender.

Usage tips

  • Marinar focuses on flavoring and occasional tenderizing in liquid, whereas encurtir and curar usually imply longer-term pickling or curing for preservation.

Related words

  • marinadomarinatedadjective
  • marinadamarinadenoun
  • marinaciónmarinationnoun

Word lists with this word