Spanish Vegetables: A Vocabulary & Pronunciation Guide

Navigating food markets in Spanish-speaking countries requires specific vocabulary knowledge, particularly when it comes to produce. Understanding how to identify, request, and discuss vegetables in Spanish opens doors to authentic cultural experiences and culinary adventures. This comprehensive guide provides the essential vocabulary, pronunciation tips, and cultural context you need for confident interactions at markets across the Spanish-speaking world.

How to Say Vegetables in Spanish: Verduras, Hortalizas, or Vegetales?

Spanish offers three distinct terms for vegetables, each with specific contextual applications. This linguistic nuance reflects the language's precision when discussing food:

Verduras specifically refers to green, leafy vegetables. When discussing spinach, lettuce, or kale, this term applies most accurately. Its etymology connects to "verde" (green), highlighting its application to greens.

Hortalizas encompasses all vegetables grown in gardens or orchards. This broader term covers everything from root vegetables to fruiting plants, making it the most comprehensive option when discussing vegetables collectively.

Vegetales serves as another all-encompassing term for vegetables, recognized by the Royal Spanish Academy (Real Academia Española) as appropriate for general reference to plant-based foods consumed as vegetables.

For practical purposes, use "verduras" when specifically discussing greens and either "hortalizas" or "vegetales" when referring to vegetables broadly. This distinction helps communicate precisely in culinary or market contexts.

Comprehensive Spanish Vegetable Vocabulary by Category

Understanding vegetables by category enhances your ability to navigate markets and recipes with confidence. Each category below includes accurate Spanish translations with phonetic pronunciations to support verbal communication.

Root Vegetables (Hortalizas de Raíz)

Root vegetables form the foundation of many traditional Spanish and Latin American dishes, from hearty stews to refreshing salads. Essential root vegetables include:

Carrot = La zanahoria (lah sah-nah-OH-ree-ah)
Beetroot = La remolacha (lah reh-moh-LAH-chah)
Turnip = El nabo (el NAH-boh)
Radish = El rábano (el RAH-bah-noh)
Parsnip = La chirivía (lah chee-ree-VEE-ah)
Rutabaga = El colinabo (el koh-lee-NAH-boh)

These vegetables appear frequently in traditional dishes like "cocido madrileño" (Madrid-style stew) and "sopa de verduras" (vegetable soup), making them essential vocabulary for food discussions.

Tuber Vegetables (Tubérculos)

Tubers, which store nutrients in underground stems, play crucial roles in Spanish and Latin American cuisines:

Potato = La patata/papa (lah pah-TAH-tah/PAH-pah)
Sweet potato = El boniato/camote (el boh-NYAH-toh/kah-MOH-teh)
Yam = El ñame (el NYAH-meh)
Cassava/Yuca = La yuca (lah YOO-kah)
Jerusalem artichoke = El tupinambur (el too-pee-NAHM-boor)

These versatile ingredients appear in countless regional specialties, from the Spanish tortilla de patatas to Caribbean mofongo with yuca.

Bulbs and Shoots (Hortalizas de Bulbo y Brotes)

These aromatic vegetables provide distinctive flavors in Mediterranean and Latin American cooking:

Onion = La cebolla (lah seh-BOH-yah)
Garlic = El ajo (el AH-hoh)
Leek = El puerro (el PWEH-rroh)
Asparagus = El espárrago (el es-PAH-rrah-goh)
Spring onion/Scallion = La cebolleta/El cebollín (lah seh-boh-YEH-tah/el seh-boh-YEEN)
Fennel = El hinojo (el ee-NOH-hoh)

Bulb vegetables feature prominently in foundational Spanish dishes like "sofrito" (a flavor base of sautéed onions, garlic, and peppers) and specialties such as "espárragos a la plancha" (grilled asparagus).

Flower Vegetables (Verduras de Flor)

Edible flowers and their surrounding structures offer unique textures and flavors in Spanish cuisine:

Cauliflower = La coliflor (lah koh-lee-FLOR)
Broccoli = El brócoli (el BROH-koh-lee)
Artichoke = La alcachofa (lah al-kah-CHOH-fah)
Squash blossoms = Las flores de calabaza (lahs FLOH-rehs deh kah-lah-BAH-sah)
Romanesco = El romanesco (el roh-mah-NEHS-koh)

These vegetables appear in classic preparations like "alcachofas a la montillana" (artichokes prepared Montilla-style) and innovative dishes featuring squash blossoms stuffed with cheese.

Leaf Vegetables (Verduras de Hoja)

Leafy greens provide essential nutrients and appear in salads, soups, and sautéed preparations throughout the Spanish-speaking world:

Bok choy = El pak choi (el pahk CHOY)
Brussels sprouts = Las coles de Bruselas (lahs KOH-lehs deh broo-SEH-lahs)
Cabbage = El repollo (el reh-POH-yoh)
Kale = La col rizada (lah kohl ree-SAH-dah)
Lettuce = La lechuga (lah leh-CHOO-gah)
Radicchio = El radicchio (el rah-DEE-kee-oh)
Swiss chard = La acelga (lah ah-SEHL-gah)
Spinach = La espinaca (lah es-pee-NAH-kah)
Arugula/Rocket = La rúcula/arúgula (lah ROO-koo-lah/ah-ROO-goo-lah)
Cilantro/Coriander = El cilantro (el see-LAHN-troh)
Parsley = El perejil (el peh-reh-HEEL)
Watercress = El berro (el BEH-rroh)
Collard greens = La berza (lah BEHR-sah)
Dandelion greens = Los dientes de león (lohs dee-EHN-tehs deh leh-OHN)
Iceberg lettuce = La lechuga iceberg (lah leh-CHOO-gah EES-behrg)
Romaine lettuce = La lechuga romana (lah leh-CHOO-gah roh-MAH-nah)
Endive = La endibia (lah en-DEE-bee-ah)
Mustard greens = La mostaza verde (lah mohs-TAH-sah VEHR-deh)

Leafy greens feature prominently in dishes like "espinacas a la catalana" (Catalan-style spinach) and the refreshing "ensalada mixta" (mixed salad) served throughout Spain and Latin America.

"Fruit" Vegetables (Verduras que son Frutas)

Botanically speaking, many vegetables are technically fruits because they contain seeds. These culinary "vegetables" play essential roles in Spanish and Latin American cuisines:

Tomato = El tomate (el toh-MAH-teh)
Bell pepper = El pimiento (el pee-mee-EHN-toh)
Chili pepper = El chile/ají (el CHEE-leh/ah-HEE)
Eggplant = La berenjena (lah beh-ren-HEH-nah)
Zucchini/Courgette = El calabacín (el kah-lah-bah-SEEN)
Pumpkin = La calabaza (lah kah-lah-BAH-sah)
Cucumber = El pepino (el peh-PEE-noh)
Avocado = El aguacate/La palta (el ah-gwah-KAH-teh/lah PAHL-tah)
Olive = La aceituna (lah ah-seh-ee-TOO-nah)
Corn = El maíz/choclo/elote (el mah-EES/CHOH-kloh/eh-LOH-teh)

These ingredients are fundamental to iconic dishes like "gazpacho" (cold tomato soup), "pisto" (Spanish ratatouille), and "guacamole" (avocado dip).

Essential Spanish Adjectives for Describing Vegetables

When discussing vegetables in Spanish-speaking contexts, descriptive adjectives enhance communication about quality, taste, and preparation. Key adjectives include:

Fresh = Fresco/a (FREHS-koh/kah)
Ripe = Maduro/a (mah-DOO-roh/rah)
Raw = Crudo/a (KROO-doh/dah)
Cooked = Cocido/a (koh-SEE-doh/dah)
Organic = Orgánico/a (or-GAH-nee-koh/kah)
Spicy = Picante (pee-KAHN-teh)
Sweet = Dulce (DOOL-seh)
Bitter = Amargo/a (ah-MAHR-goh/gah)
Crunchy = Crujiente (kroo-hee-EHN-teh)
Soft = Blando/a (BLAHN-doh/dah)
Local = Local (loh-KAHL)
Seasonal = De temporada (deh tem-poh-RAH-dah)
Tender = Tierno/a (tee-EHR-noh/nah)
Wilted = Marchito/a (mar-CHEE-toh/tah)
Juicy = Jugoso/a (hoo-GOH-soh/sah)

To inquire about vegetable characteristics in Spanish, construct questions using "¿Es" (singular) or "¿Son" (plural) followed by the adjective. For example:

"¿Son orgánicas estas espinacas?" (Are these spinach organic?) "¿Es picante este pimiento?" (Is this pepper spicy?)

Practical Shopping Phrases for Markets

Navigating produce markets in Spanish-speaking countries requires specific phrases that facilitate transactions and inquiries. The following expressions will help you navigate local markets with confidence:

How much is this? = ¿Cuánto cuesta esto? (KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah EHS-toh) Example: "¿Cuánto cuesta este kilo de calabacines?" (How much is this kilo of zucchini?)
Do you have...? = ¿Tiene...? (tee-EH-neh) Example: "¿Tiene espárragos frescos?" (Do you have fresh asparagus?)
I would like... = Me gustaría... (meh goos-tah-REE-ah) Example: "Me gustaría un kilo de pimientos rojos." (I would like a kilo of red bell peppers.)
A pound of... = Una libra de... (OO-nah LEE-brah deh) Example: "Una libra de berenjenas, por favor." (A pound of eggplants, please.)
Half a kilo of... = Medio kilo de... (MEH-dee-oh KEE-loh deh) Example: "Medio kilo de tomates, por favor." (Half a kilo of tomatoes, please.)
Where can I find...? = ¿Dónde puedo encontrar...? (DOHN-deh PWEH-doh en-kon-TRAR) Example: "¿Dónde puedo encontrar acelgas frescas?" (Where can I find fresh Swiss chard?)
Is this fresh? = ¿Está fresco/a? (ehs-TAH FREHS-koh/kah) Example: "¿Están frescos estos calabacines?" (Are these zucchini fresh?)
Are these local? = ¿Son locales? (sohn loh-KAH-lehs) Example: "¿Son locales estas cebollas?" (Are these onions local?)
I'm allergic to... = Tengo alergia a... (TEHN-goh ah-LEHR-hee-ah ah) Example: "Tengo alergia a los pimientos." (I'm allergic to bell peppers.)

Practice these phrases before your trip to enhance confidence in real-world interactions. Consider role-playing market scenarios with a language partner to perfect your pronunciation and internalize these useful expressions.

Regional Variations: Vegetable Names Across the Spanish-Speaking World

Spanish vegetable terminology varies significantly across countries and regions, reflecting the linguistic diversity of more than 20 nations where Spanish serves as an official language. Understanding these regional variations prevents potential confusion during travel:

Potato variations:

"Patata" predominates in Spain
"Papa" prevails throughout most of Latin America

Avocado variations:

"Aguacate" is standard in Spain, Mexico, and Central America
"Palta" is common in Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay

Bell pepper variations:

"Pimiento" in Spain
"Ají" in parts of South America, particularly Chile and Peru
"Morrón" in Argentina, Uruguay, and parts of Venezuela
"Chile" or "chile dulce" in Mexico and parts of Central America

Sweet potato variations:

"Boniato" predominates in Spain and Cuba
"Camote" is standard in Mexico, Peru, and parts of Central America
"Batata" prevails in Argentina, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela

Corn variations:

"Maíz" serves as the general botanical term
"Elote" refers specifically to corn on the cob in Mexico
"Choclo" designates sweet corn in Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru
"Jojoto" appears in Venezuela

Green bean variations:

"Judía verde" in Spain
"Ejote" in Mexico and parts of Central America
"Vainita" or "habichuela" in parts of South America
"Poroto verde" in Chile and Argentina

Understanding these regional variations enhances communication when traveling between Spanish-speaking countries and demonstrates cultural awareness that locals appreciate.

Vegetable-Related Vocabulary in Cultural Context

Understanding vegetable terminology within cultural contexts provides deeper insight into Spanish-speaking culinary traditions. Key cultural contexts include:

Traditional Vegetable Dishes

Iconic vegetable-based dishes from Spanish-speaking countries include:

Gazpacho: A cold tomato-based soup featuring cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions, originating from Andalusia, Spain.
Pisto manchego: Spain's version of ratatouille, incorporating tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant.
Tortilla española: The classic Spanish potato omelet, featuring thinly sliced potatoes and sometimes onions.
Gallo pinto: A traditional Costa Rican and Nicaraguan dish of rice and beans often served with bell peppers and onions.
Chiles en nogada: A Mexican specialty featuring poblano peppers stuffed with picadillo (a mixture containing fruits and vegetables) topped with walnut sauce.

Seasonal Vegetable Terminology

Seasonal concepts relevant to vegetables include:

De temporada (in season): Indicates peak freshness and availability
Primicias (first harvests): Early-season vegetables commanding premium prices
Verduras de invierno/verano (winter/summer vegetables): Categorizations based on growing seasons

Market-Specific Terminology

Terms commonly encountered in markets include:

Puesto de verduras: Vegetable stand or stall
A granel: Sold in bulk, without packaging
Producto local: Locally grown produce
Producto ecológico/orgánico: Organically grown produce
Manojo: Bunch (as in a bunch of carrots)
Por peso: Sold by weight

This cultural context enriches your understanding of how vegetables integrate into daily life throughout Spanish-speaking regions.

Navigating Dietary Restrictions and Preferences

For travelers with dietary restrictions, communicating clearly about vegetables becomes particularly important. Essential phrases include:

I'm vegetarian = Soy vegetariano/a (soy beh-heh-tah-ree-AH-noh/nah)
I'm vegan = Soy vegano/a (soy beh-GAH-noh/nah)
I can't eat... = No puedo comer... (noh PWEH-doh koh-MEHR)
Does this contain...? = ¿Esto contiene...? (EHS-toh kon-tee-EH-neh)
I have an allergy to... = Tengo alergia a... (TEHN-goh ah-LEHR-hee-ah ah)
Is this dish vegetable-based? = ¿Este plato es a base de verduras? (EHS-teh PLAH-toh ehs ah BAH-seh deh behr-DOO-rahs)

Understanding these phrases helps ensure dietary needs are met while navigating restaurants and markets in Spanish-speaking countries.

Practical Applications: From Market to Kitchen

Putting vegetable vocabulary into practical context, consider these real-world scenarios:

Market Dialogue Example

Customer: "Buenos días. ¿Tiene espinacas frescas?" (Good morning. Do you have fresh spinach?)

Vendor: "Sí, acaban de llegar esta mañana. ¿Cuánto necesita?" (Yes, they just arrived this morning. How much do you need?)

Customer: "Me gustaría medio kilo, por favor. Y también necesito cebollas." (I would like half a kilo, please. And I also need onions.)

Vendor: "Las cebollas están allí. Tenemos blancas y moradas. ¿Cuáles prefiere?" (The onions are there. We have white and purple ones. Which do you prefer?)

Customer: "Tomaré dos cebollas blancas grandes. ¿Cuánto es todo?" (I'll take two large white onions. How much is everything?)

Recipe Context Example

Spanish recipe excerpt: "Para preparar este gazpacho andaluz tradicional, necesitarás tomates maduros, pimiento verde, pepino, cebolla, ajo, pan duro, aceite de oliva virgen extra, vinagre y sal. Primero, lava y trocea todas las verduras..."

English translation: "To prepare this traditional Andalusian gazpacho, you'll need ripe tomatoes, green bell pepper, cucumber, onion, garlic, stale bread, extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, and salt. First, wash and chop all the vegetables..."

Understanding vegetable vocabulary in these contexts facilitates authentic cultural experiences and culinary adventures.

Enhancing Your Spanish Vegetable Vocabulary

To continue building your Spanish vegetable vocabulary:

Practice regularly with flashcards featuring vegetable names and images
Label vegetables in your kitchen with their Spanish names
Study Spanish-language recipes and cooking videos
Visit Hispanic markets and practice identifying vegetables using Spanish terms
Engage with native speakers through language exchange programs
Use mobile apps with food-themed vocabulary lessons
Cook Spanish or Latin American recipes, referencing ingredients in Spanish

These practical activities integrate vocabulary learning into daily life, enhancing retention through contextual usage.

Learn Any Language with Kylian AI

Private language lessons are expensive. Paying between 15 and 50 euros per lesson isn’t realistic for most people—especially when dozens of sessions are needed to see real progress.

Many learners give up on language learning due to these high costs, missing out on valuable professional and personal opportunities.

That’s why we created Kylian: to make language learning accessible to everyone and help people master a foreign language without breaking the bank.

To get started, just tell Kylian which language you want to learn and what your native language is

Tired of teachers who don’t understand your specific struggles as a French speaker? Kylian’s advantage lies in its ability to teach any language using your native tongue as the foundation.

Unlike generic apps that offer the same content to everyone, Kylian explains concepts in your native language (French) and switches to the target language when necessary—perfectly adapting to your level and needs.

This personalization removes the frustration and confusion that are so common in traditional language learning.

Choose a specific topic you want to learn

Frustrated by language lessons that never cover exactly what you need? Kylian can teach you any aspect of a language—from pronunciation to advanced grammar—by focusing on your specific goals.

Avoid vague requests like “How can I improve my accent?” and be precise: “How do I pronounce the R like a native English speaker?” or “How do I conjugate the verb ‘to be’ in the present tense?”

With Kylian, you’ll never again pay for irrelevant content or feel embarrassed asking “too basic” questions to a teacher. Your learning plan is entirely personalized.

Once you’ve chosen your topic, just hit the “Generate a Lesson” button, and within seconds, you’ll get a lesson designed exclusively for you.

Join the room to begin your lesson

The session feels like a one-on-one language class with a human tutor—but without the high price or time constraints.

In a 25-minute lesson, Kylian teaches exactly what you need to know about your chosen topic: the nuances that textbooks never explain, key cultural differences between French and your target language, grammar rules, and much more.

Ever felt frustrated trying to keep up with a native-speaking teacher, or embarrassed to ask for something to be repeated? With Kylian, that problem disappears. It switches intelligently between French and the target language depending on your level, helping you understand every concept at your own pace.

During the lesson, Kylian uses role-plays, real-life examples, and adapts to your learning style. Didn’t understand something? No problem—you can pause Kylian anytime to ask for clarification, without fear of being judged.

Ask all the questions you want, repeat sections if needed, and customize your learning experience in ways traditional teachers and generic apps simply can’t match.

With 24/7 access at a fraction of the cost of private lessons, Kylian removes all the barriers that have kept you from mastering the language you’ve always wanted to learn.

Take your free lesson with Kylian today.