Spanish word

ultramarinos

Pronunciation

IPA/ultɾamaˈɾinos/

Meaning

  • masculine noungrocery store

Example

Compré pan en los ultramarinos esta mañana.

I bought bread at the grocery store this morning.

Illustration for ultramarinos (grocery store)

More examples

Entré en los ultramarinos a comprar sal.

I entered the grocery store to buy salt.

Core concept

Corner grocery specializing in canned goods, dry staples, and cured meats.

Common phrases

  • entrar en los ultramarinos

    enter the grocery store

  • salir de los ultramarinos

    leave the grocery store

Similar words

supermercado: Large supermarket with wide aisles offering fresh produce, packaged foods, and household items.
mercado: Market made of many stalls where vendors sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and regional produce.
tienda de comestibles: Small shop selling everyday food items in modest quantities for routine household needs.
tienda de barrio: Neighborhood shop in a residential area selling daily necessities and basic groceries.

Definition in Spanish

Establecimiento de barrio donde se venden comestibles y productos secos, como conservas, embutidos y envasados; término tradicional para la tienda de proximidad.

Word origin

The word ultramarinos derives from Latin ultra 'beyond' plus mare 'sea', reflecting its origin as a name for vendors of overseas provisions that became neighborhood grocers.

Usage tips

  • Shop signs often read Los ultramarinos, so the plural appearance does not imply multiple stores, and modern speakers may instead say tienda or supermercado depending on the place.

Other meanings

  • groceriesnoun

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