What is the Spanish Word for Shrimp? A Guide to Translating Crustaceans

As an avid traveler and foodie, I’m always trying to expand my palate and vocabulary for delicious dishes in different languages. One of my favorite foods is shrimp – those tender, sweet little crustaceans that liven up pastas, tacos, salads, and more. But what exactly is the word for “shrimp” in Spanish?

In this article, I’ll walk you through the different terms for shrimp in Spanish, when to use each variation, and some examples of how they appear in sentences and phrases Whether you’re scoping out a Spanish menu or trying to broaden your own cooking lexicon, this guide has you covered on how to say shrimp in the language of Cervantes

The Many Spanish Words for Shrimp

One thing I’ve learned from studying Spanish is that there are often a few different words that translate to the same thing in English. Shrimp is no exception. Here are the main Spanish terms you’ll encounter for those succulent shellfish:

• Camarón – This is the most common and generic word for shrimp in Spanish. Camarón can refer to any type or size of shrimp.

• Gambas – Typically used for larger, prawn-like shrimp or those used in Mediterranean cuisine.

• Quisquilla – A smaller shrimp or prawn, more common in regional Spanish of Spain.

• Langostino – A large shrimp or prawn similar to a gambas. Tends to be used more often in Latin American Spanish.

• Camarón = basic shrimp
• Gambas = big prawns
• Quisquilla = small shrimp
• Langostino = jumbo shrimp

As you can see, size and geography determines what Spanish speakers will call a shrimp. But let’s explore when and how to use each term properly.

When to Use Camarón, Gambas, and Other Shrimp Words

Deciding whether to use camarón, gambas, or another shrimp variation follows a few key rules:

Size

• For an average-sized shrimp in a dish, camarón is fitting. Ex: camarones fritos (fried shrimp)

• Gambas implies large, prawn-like shrimp. Ex: gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns)

• Quisquilla is for smaller shrimp like in a shrimp cocktail.

• Langostino refers to a jumbo or colossal shrimp

Geography

• In Latin America, camarón and langostino are most common.

• In Spain, gambas and quisquilla are prevalent.

So if you’re making gambas al ajillo in Mexico, you may want to use camarones instead. Meanwhile, camarones would sound strange for a Valencian paella, where gambas is preferred.

In Sentences

Here are some examples of how you would use the different shrimp words properly when speaking or writing Spanish:

• Voy a preparar una ensalada de camarones para la cena. (I’m going to make a shrimp salad for dinner.)

• Los camarones fritos son mi comida favorita. (Fried shrimp is my favorite food.)

• En el restaurante, pedimos una gamba roja deliciosa. (At the restaurant, we ordered a delicious red prawn.)

• Mi abuelo siempre pesca langostinos enormes en el océano. (My grandfather always fishes for huge prawns in the ocean.)

• Un cóctel de quisquillas es un buen aperitivo. (A shrimp cocktail makes a good appetizer.)

As you can see, paying attention to context, regional differences, and type of dish can help decide which is the right Spanish word for shrimp.

Tips for Remembering the Spanish Shrimp Lexicon

Whenever I’m trying to memorize food vocabulary in a new language, it helps to associate the words with dishes I love. Here are some mnemonic devices and examples that have helped me remember the difference between gambas, camarones, and more:

• Imagine dipping a camarón into a pot of melted butter (mantequilla) – it helps me picture an average-sized shrimp.

• Gambas starts with G like garlic (ajo) which evokes the classic Spanish garlic shrimp dish.

• A langostino sounds longer like a lobster (langosta).

• Quisquilla starts with Q like cocktail (coctel) – useful for shrimp cocktails.

• Recalling dishes like fried camarones, garlic gambas, and langostino ceviche helps cement which shrimp goes with which word.

With a little imagination and association, the different Spanish shrimp terms are easier to recall. Keep practicing them in authentic recipes and in conversations, and you’ll have the crustacean lexicon down in no time!

Wrapping Up “How to Say Shrimp in Spanish”

The key lessons:

• Camarón = basic shrimp
• Gambas = big prawns
• Quisquilla = small shrimp
• Langostino = jumbo shrimp

Use size, geography, and context of the dish to pick the right term. And try associating the words with your favorite shrimp recipes to help memorize them.

Next time you’re perusing a Spanish menu or whipping up your own mariscos feast, impress everyone with your command of camarones versus gambas. ¡Buen provecho!