Spanish word

mole

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmole/

Meaning

  • masculine nounmole

Example

En México se prepara mole para las fiestas.

In Mexico, mole is prepared for celebrations.

Illustration for mole (mole)

More examples

A mi abuela le gusta preparar mole casero los domingos.

My grandmother likes to prepare homemade mole on Sundays.

Core concept

Rich, complex Mexican sauce of roasted chiles, spices, and sometimes nuts or chocolate.

Common phrases

  • mole poblano

    mole poblano

  • pollo con mole

    chicken with mole

  • mole casero

    homemade mole

  • salsa de mole

    mole sauce

Similar words

salsa: Thin or chunky sauce or condiment poured or mixed into dishes to season or finish them.
adobo: Thick, savory paste or marinade used to coat or marinate ingredients to add lasting flavor.
pasta de chile: Concentrated paste of ground chiles, intensely flavorful and spicy, used as a base for sauces.

Definition in Spanish

Salsa mexicana compleja y aromática que combina chiles tostados, especias y a veces ingredientes como nueces o chocolate, típica en festividades y reuniones familiares.

Word origin

From Nahuatl mōlli meaning 'sauce' or 'pounded thing', adopted into Spanish to name Mexico's multi-ingredient ceremonial sauces.

Usage tips

  • Mentioning a region or variety after mole, for example 'el mole poblano' or 'el mole de Oaxaca', is a common conversational way to indicate which version one prefers.

Word lists with this word