Spanish Conversation · Level 28
89 words
Spanish word
pelar
Pronunciation
IPA/peˈlaɾ/
Meaning
- verbpeel
Example
Voy a pelar una manzana.
I'm going to peel an apple.
More examples
Ella siempre pela las verduras antes de cocinarlas.
She always peels the vegetables before cooking them.
Core concept
Removing a food's outer skin to reveal the soft, edible interior.
Common phrases
pelar un plátano
peel a banana
pelar cebollas
peel onions
Similar words
quitar: Detach or remove material from a surface, such as dust, a label, or a cap.
mondar: Trim the skin of fruit or vegetables by slicing thinly to remove just the outer layer.
Definition in Spanish
Quitar con las manos o con un instrumento la capa exterior de un alimento para dejar la parte comestible lista para comer o cocinar.
Word origin
Spanish pelar comes from Vulgar Latin pilare and ultimately from Latin pilus 'hair', originally meaning to strip hair or hide and later used for removing the skins of foods.
Usage tips
- Spanish speakers often specify the method with 'pelar a mano' for hand peeling or 'pelar con pelador'/'pelar con cuchillo' for a peeler or knife.