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A2 noun #6,500 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

filete

Top 6,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces filete en 30 secondes

Explication filete in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'filete' means a piece of meat or fish you can eat for lunch or dinner. It is a masculine noun ('el filete'). You will see it on menus in the 'Carnes' (Meats) or 'Pescados' (Fish) section. It is a basic food word, like 'pan' (bread) or 'agua' (water). You should practice saying 'Quiero un filete' (I want a fillet) when you are at a restaurant. At this stage, don't worry about the different types of cuts; just know that it is a common main course. You might also see 'filete con patatas' (fillet with potatoes), which is a very standard meal for beginners to order. Focus on the gender agreement: 'un filete rico', 'el filete grande'.

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At the A2 level, you should be able to specify what kind of 'filete' you want. Is it 'de ternera' (beef), 'de pollo' (chicken), or 'de pescado' (fish)? You should also learn basic cooking descriptions like 'a la plancha' (grilled) or 'empanado' (breaded). You will use this word when shopping at a 'supermercado' or 'carnicería'. You should be able to understand a waiter asking, '¿Cómo quiere el filete?' (How do you want the fillet?) and respond with 'poco hecho' (rare) or 'muy hecho' (well done). This level is about using the word in practical, daily interactions to satisfy your needs while traveling or living in a Spanish-speaking country.

At the B1 level, you can start using 'filete' in more complex sentences and understand its role in recipes. You might describe the process of cooking: 'Primero, salpimentamos el filete y luego lo pasamos por la sartén'. You should also be aware of regional differences, such as the use of 'bistec' in Latin America versus 'filete' in Spain. You can compare 'filete' with other cuts like 'chuleta' (chop) or 'lomo' (loin). Your vocabulary is expanding to include the verb 'filetear' (to fillet/slice). You can talk about your preferences in more detail, explaining why you prefer a 'filete de merluza' over a 'filete de bacalao' based on texture or flavor.

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At the B2 level, you should understand the nuances of 'filete' in different culinary contexts. You might discuss the nutritional benefits of a 'filete de salmón' versus a 'filete de ternera'. You can use the word in idiomatic or metaphorical ways if they arise, though 'filete' is mostly literal. You should be comfortable reading food blogs or watching cooking shows where chefs discuss the 'calidad del filete' (quality of the fillet) or the 'corte' (cut). You can also use the word to describe non-food items, such as a 'filete' in architecture or bookbinding, although this is specialized. Your ability to use synonyms like 'escalope' or 'entrecot' correctly shows your advanced grasp of the language.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word's etymology (from French 'filet') and its historical place in Spanish gastronomy. You can discuss the social implications of meat consumption or the evolution of the 'filete' in modern 'cocina de autor' (signature cuisine). You understand the technical difference between a 'filete' cut and a 'carpaccio' or a 'tartar'. You can write detailed reviews of restaurants where you analyze the 'punto de cocción del filete' with professional precision. You are also aware of the word's use in technical fields like geometry or engineering, where a 'filete' refers to a screw thread or a narrow decorative strip.

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At the C2 level, 'filete' is a tool you use with total flexibility. You can appreciate its use in literature or high-level journalism to create specific imagery. You might encounter it in historical texts describing the lavish banquets of the past. You can navigate the most complex regional variations across the entire Spanish-speaking world without hesitation. You understand the subtle connotations of using 'filete' versus more prestigious terms like 'tournedó' or 'chateaubriand'. Your mastery allows you to use the word in puns, wordplay, or as part of a sophisticated rhetorical style. You can explain the linguistic shift from French to Spanish and how it reflects broader cultural movements in the 18th century.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

filete en 30 secondes

A 'filete' is a boneless slice of meat or fish, essential for ordering food in Spanish-speaking countries.
It is a masculine noun ('el filete') and can be made from beef, chicken, pork, or various fish.
Commonly prepared 'a la plancha' (grilled) or 'empanado' (breaded), it is a staple of the daily 'menú del día'.
In Latin America, 'bistec' is often used for beef, while 'filete' remains the standard term for fish fillets.

The Spanish word filete is a fundamental term in the culinary lexicon of any Spanish speaker. At its core, it refers to a thin, boneless slice of meat or fish. While English speakers might immediately think of a 'fillet' of fish or a 'steak' of beef, the Spanish filete acts as a versatile bridge between these two concepts. In the context of a Spanish household, a filete is often the centerpiece of a quick weekday lunch, typically prepared a la plancha (grilled on a flat metal plate) or empanado (breaded and fried).

Culinary Identity: In Spain, if you go to a carnicería (butcher shop) and ask for a filete, the butcher will usually assume you want a thin slice of beef, often from the round or loin. If you are at a pescadería (fishmonger), the same word applies to the clean, deboned side of a fish like hake (merluza) or sole (lenguado).

Camarero, por favor, tráigame un filete de ternera bien hecho.

The term implies a certain level of preparation. A filete is not just a raw hunk of muscle; it is a piece that has been carefully sliced to ensure even cooking and ease of consumption. This makes it a favorite for children and the elderly, as there are no bones to navigate. Historically, the word entered the Spanish language from the French filet, reflecting the immense influence of French gastronomy on European dining habits during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Anatomical Precision: Strictly speaking, a filete should be cut across the grain of the muscle fibers. This technique breaks down the connective tissue, making the meat tender enough to be eaten without a specialized steak knife if cooked correctly.

Para la cena, preparé un filete de pescado con limón.

Beyond the plate, filete can also refer to decorative elements in architecture or bookbinding—thin, raised lines or moldings—though this usage is significantly less common in daily conversation. When you are learning Spanish at an A2 level, focus entirely on the culinary meaning. Whether you are reading a menu in Madrid or shopping in a market in Mexico City, recognizing this word is essential for navigating mealtime.

Preparation Styles: Common adjectives paired with filete include empanado (breaded), a la plancha (grilled), al horno (baked), and en salsa (in sauce).

¿Prefieres el filete de pollo o de cerdo?

El carnicero cortó el filete con mucha precisión.

Este filete de salmón es rico en omega-3.

In summary, filete is the go-to word for any thin, high-quality slice of protein. Its simplicity and clarity make it a staple of the Spanish language, reflecting a culture that values fresh ingredients and straightforward preparation.

Using filete correctly involves understanding its gender (masculine) and its pluralization (filetes). Because it is a concrete noun, it is almost always preceded by an article or a possessive adjective. When you are at a restaurant, the most common structure is "Quiero un filete de..." followed by the type of meat or fish. This structure is universally understood across the Spanish-speaking world.

The 'De' Construction: In Spanish, we don't say 'fish fillet' as a compound noun. Instead, we use the preposition 'de'. For example: filete de merluza (hake fillet), filete de pollo (chicken fillet), or filete de ternera (beef fillet).

Ayer compré cuatro filetes de lomo para la comida.

When describing how the filete is cooked, the adjective comes after the noun. If you want it breaded, you say filete empanado. If you want it grilled, it's filete a la plancha. Note that 'a la plancha' functions as an adverbial phrase here. This placement is crucial; saying 'empanado filete' would sound very unnatural to a native speaker.

Specifying Doneness: When ordering a beef filete, you will be asked how you like it. Common responses include poco hecho (rare), al punto (medium), or muy hecho (well done).

No me gusta el filete muy hecho, prefiero que esté jugoso.

In a more technical or professional kitchen setting, filetear (the verb form) is used to describe the action of slicing. You might hear a chef say, "Filetea el salmón con cuidado" (Fillet the salmon carefully). This highlights that a filete is the result of a specific skill. Even in casual conversation, using the word filete instead of just carne (meat) shows a better command of the language and more specific intent.

Quantities and Shopping: At the market, you can ask for filetes by weight or by number. "Deme medio kilo de filetes de ternera" or "Póngame tres filetes de merluza, por favor."

El filete de hoy está especialmente tierno.

¿Cuántos filetes vienen en este paquete?

Siempre pido el filete de la casa porque es la especialidad.

Finally, keep in mind that filete is a very grounded, everyday word. It is not overly formal like solomillo (sirloin), nor is it slang. It sits perfectly in the middle of the register, making it appropriate for almost any situation involving food.

You will encounter the word filete in a variety of real-world environments, primarily centered around food acquisition and consumption. The most immediate place is the mercado central or the local supermercado. In the meat section, labels will clearly state filetes de vacuno or filetes de pechuga de pollo. These signs are often the first place a learner sees the word in print.

The Restaurant Experience: In a Spanish mesón or restaurant, the menú del día (menu of the day) almost always features a filete as a second course (segundo plato). You might hear the waiter rattle off the options: "De segundo tenemos filete a la plancha, merluza a la romana o albóndigas."

En el menú del día, el filete con patatas es la opción más popular.

Cooking shows on television, such as those hosted by the famous Spanish chef Karlos Arguiñano, frequently use the word. You'll hear instructions like "Sazonamos los filetes con un poco de sal y pimienta" (We season the fillets with a bit of salt and pepper). In this context, the word conveys a sense of home-cooked comfort and accessibility.

Family Gatherings: At home, a parent might ask a child, "¿Quieres un filete para cenar?" It is a quick, reliable meal that everyone knows. The sound of a filete hitting a hot pan—the chisporroteo—is a universal sound of Spanish home life.

Mi abuela siempre me hacía filetes empanados cuando la visitaba.

In professional culinary schools, the word is used with more precision. A student might be tested on their ability to produce a perfect filete de lenguado, which requires removing the skin and bones without tearing the delicate flesh. Here, filete represents the gold standard of preparation.

Advertisements: You'll also see the word in supermarket flyers (folletos). Offers like "Filetes de pechuga de pollo: 2x1" are common and help you associate the word with its visual representation and price point.

Mira la oferta, el filete de cerdo está muy barato esta semana.

El chef explicó cómo limpiar el filete antes de cocinarlo.

¿Has probado el filete de atún rojo? Es delicioso.

Whether you are in a high-end restaurant in Barcelona or a small village market in the Andes, filete is a word that connects the producer, the cook, and the diner. It is a fundamental piece of the Spanish language's 'foodie' DNA.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is assuming that filete only refers to fish, because 'fillet' is so often associated with fish in English. In Spanish, as we've seen, it is equally common for beef, pork, and chicken. If you only use filete for fish, you are missing out on half of its utility.

Filete vs. Bistec: Another point of confusion is the difference between filete and bistec. In Spain, filete is the standard term. In many Latin American countries, bistec is the preferred term for a beef steak. If you use filete in Mexico to refer to beef, people will understand you, but it might sound slightly 'European' or formal.

No digas "un carne filete", di "un filete de carne".

Gender agreement is another stumbling block. Because filete ends in '-e', some learners mistakenly think it is feminine. It is decisively masculine: EL filete. Using "la filete" is a hallmark of a beginner. Always pair it with masculine articles and adjectives.

The False Friend: 'Fillet': In English, 'fillet' can be a verb ("to fillet a fish"). In Spanish, the noun is filete and the verb is filetear. Don't try to use the noun as a verb. "Yo filete el pescado" is incorrect; it should be "Yo fileteo el pescado."

Es un error común llamar filete a una chuleta, que tiene hueso.

Finally, be careful with the word loncha. A loncha is a very thin slice, like for ham or cheese. A filete is thicker and usually meant to be a main course. If you ask for a loncha de ternera, the butcher might give you something too thin to grill effectively. Knowing the difference between a filete, a loncha, and a tajada (a chunk or slice) will make your shopping much more successful.

Pluralization: Remember that the plural is filetes. Some learners forget to add the 's' when talking about multiple pieces, which can lead to confusion about quantity.

Compré tres filetes, no solo uno.

El filete no lleva hueso, si tiene hueso es una chuleta.

¿Dijo filete o flete? Flete significa transporte de carga.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you will speak more clearly and avoid the frustration of getting the wrong dish at a restaurant or the wrong cut of meat at the butcher.

To truly master Spanish vocabulary, it helps to see how filete relates to other words in the same family. While filete is the general term for a thin slice, there are many synonyms and related terms that carry specific nuances depending on the animal, the cut, and the region.

Filete vs. Bistec: Filete: Used for both meat and fish; common in Spain.
Bistec: Specifically for beef; extremely common in Latin America.
Filete vs. Solomillo: Filete: A generic thin slice.
Solomillo: Sirloin or tenderloin; a high-quality, specific part of the animal, usually thicker and more expensive.
Filete vs. Chuleta: Filete: Boneless.
Chuleta: Chop; includes the bone (like a pork chop or lamb chop).

Si quieres algo más tierno que un filete normal, pide solomillo.

For fish, you might also hear lomo. While filete is the flat side of the fish, lomo often refers to the thicker, prime part of the back, such as lomo de bacalao (cod loin). In some regions, posta is used for a thick cross-section of fish that may still contain the central bone, unlike the filete.

When talking about poultry, pechuga (breast) is often used interchangeably with filete de pollo if the breast has been sliced thin. However, a pechuga entera is the whole breast, whereas filetes de pechuga are the individual slices.

Regional Variations: In Chile and Peru, you might hear filete used specifically to mean the beef tenderloin (what others call solomillo), making it a very high-end term compared to its more generic use in Spain.

El filete ruso es básicamente una hamburguesa sin pan.

¿Prefieres filete de ternera o una chuleta de cordero?

Esta loncha de jamón es tan fina como un filete.

Understanding these distinctions helps you navigate a menu with confidence. If you want something quick and simple, go for the filete. If you want a gourmet experience, look for the solomillo or the entrecot. And if you're in a hurry at a sandwich shop, a pepito de ternera (steak sandwich) is usually made with a thin filete.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The term 'filete' is also used in architecture to describe a narrow, flat molding. This reflects its origins as a 'thin strip'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /fɪˈleɪteɪ/

US /fiˈlete/

The stress is on the second syllable: fi-LE-te.

Rime avec

Siete (seven) Billete (ticket) Juguete (toy) Paquete (package) Rodete (bun) Chupete (pacifier) Gabinete (cabinet) Ribete (edging)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it like the English 'fillet' (fi-LAY).
Putting the stress on the first syllable (FI-le-te).
Making the final 'e' silent like in French.
Pronouncing the 't' with a heavy puff of air (aspiration).
Confusing the 'i' sound with the short English 'i' in 'sit'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize because it looks like 'fillet'.

Écriture 2/5

Easy, but remember the single 'l' and the final 'e'.

Expression orale 2/5

Stress on the second syllable is key.

Écoute 1/5

Clear pronunciation in most dialects.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Carne Pescado Comida Plato Cuchillo

Apprends ensuite

Solomillo Chuleta Entrecot Sartén Asar

Avancé

Filetear Deshuesar Marinado Guarnición Punto de cocción

Grammaire à connaître

Nouns ending in -e can be masculine or feminine; 'filete' is masculine.

El filete (not La filete).

Adjectives follow the noun and agree in gender and number.

Filetes jugosos.

The preposition 'de' is used to indicate the source or type of the fillet.

Filete de ternera.

Cooking methods use 'a la' or 'al'.

Filete a la plancha, filete al horno.

Verbs like 'querer' or 'pedir' are used to order a filete.

Quiero un filete.

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Exemples par niveau

Yo como un filete de pollo.

I eat a chicken fillet.

Uses the present tense 'como' and the masculine article 'un'.

El filete es muy rico.

The fillet is very tasty.

Adjective 'rico' agrees with the masculine noun 'filete'.

¿Quieres un filete de pescado?

Do you want a fish fillet?

Question structure with 'Quieres' (you want).

Mi madre cocina un filete.

My mother cooks a fillet.

Subject-verb-object order.

El filete está en el plato.

The fillet is on the plate.

Uses 'está' for location/state.

No me gusta el filete frío.

I don't like the cold fillet.

Negative construction 'No me gusta'.

Compro un filete en el mercado.

I buy a fillet at the market.

Present tense 'compro'.

Es un filete pequeño.

It is a small fillet.

Adjective 'pequeño' follows the noun.

Quiero el filete de ternera a la plancha.

I want the grilled beef fillet.

'A la plancha' describes the cooking method.

Por favor, traiga dos filetes de merluza.

Please, bring two hake fillets.

Plural form 'filetes'.

El filete empanado es para el niño.

The breaded fillet is for the child.

'Empanado' is a common A2 adjective for food.

¿Cómo prefiere su filete, poco hecho o muy hecho?

How do you prefer your steak, rare or well done?

Polite 'su' and 'prefiere'.

Ayer cenamos filetes de cerdo con ensalada.

Yesterday we had pork fillets with salad for dinner.

Preterite tense 'cenamos'.

Este filete de salmón no tiene espinas.

This salmon fillet has no bones (spines).

'Espinas' is used for fish bones.

Necesito comprar medio kilo de filetes.

I need to buy half a kilo of fillets.

Weight measurements in shopping.

El filete está demasiado salado.

The fillet is too salty.

Adverb 'demasiado' modifying the adjective 'salado'.

Si el filete es muy grueso, tardará más en cocinarse.

If the fillet is very thick, it will take longer to cook.

Conditional sentence with 'si'.

He preparado unos filetes en salsa de pimienta.

I have prepared some fillets in pepper sauce.

Present perfect 'he preparado'.

El carnicero filetea la carne con un cuchillo muy afilado.

The butcher fillets the meat with a very sharp knife.

Verb 'filetear' in action.

Prefiero el filete de ternera porque es más tierno que el de cerdo.

I prefer the beef fillet because it is more tender than the pork one.

Comparative structure 'más... que'.

No olvides sazonar el filete antes de ponerlo en la sartén.

Don't forget to season the fillet before putting it in the pan.

Negative imperative 'No olvides'.

El filete de hoy me parece un poco duro.

Today's fillet seems a bit tough to me.

Verb 'parecer' used for opinions.

Aunque sea un filete barato, se puede cocinar muy bien.

Even if it is a cheap fillet, it can be cooked very well.

Concessive clause with 'aunque' + subjunctive.

Ese restaurante es famoso por sus filetes de buey.

That restaurant is famous for its ox fillets.

Preposition 'por' indicating cause/reason.

La calidad del filete depende en gran medida de la alimentación del animal.

The quality of the fillet depends largely on the animal's diet.

Abstract discussion of quality.

Para esta receta, es fundamental que el filete esté a temperatura ambiente.

For this recipe, it is essential that the fillet is at room temperature.

Subjunctive 'esté' after 'es fundamental que'.

El filete ruso es una elaboración tradicional que gusta a toda la familia.

The 'Russian fillet' (meat patty) is a traditional dish that the whole family likes.

Relative clause with 'que'.

Al filetear el pescado, hay que tener cuidado para no desperdiciar carne.

When filleting the fish, one must be careful not to waste meat.

'Al' + infinitive to indicate 'when/upon'.

Se recomienda consumir filetes de pescado blanco dos veces por semana.

It is recommended to consume white fish fillets twice a week.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

El marinado le da un sabor exquisito a este filete de pechuga.

The marinade gives an exquisite flavor to this breast fillet.

Indirect object pronoun 'le' referring to 'filete'.

A pesar de ser un simple filete, la presentación es de alta cocina.

Despite being a simple fillet, the presentation is haute cuisine.

'A pesar de' + infinitive.

El precio de los filetes de ternera ha subido considerablemente este mes.

The price of beef fillets has risen considerably this month.

Present perfect with an adverb.

La sutileza de un filete de lenguado requiere una técnica depurada en los fogones.

The subtlety of a sole fillet requires a refined technique in the kitchen.

High-level vocabulary like 'sutileza' and 'depurada'.

En la alta gastronomía, el filete se presenta a menudo con reducciones de vino tinto.

In haute cuisine, the fillet is often presented with red wine reductions.

Passive 'se' and culinary terminology.

Es imperativo que el fileteado sea uniforme para garantizar una cocción homogénea.

It is imperative that the slicing be uniform to guarantee homogeneous cooking.

Subjunctive 'sea' and technical adjectives.

El término 'filete' deriva de la voz francesa que alude a un hilo o cinta delgada.

The term 'filete' derives from the French word that alludes to a thread or thin ribbon.

Etymological explanation.

Cualquier gourmet sabrá apreciar la veta de grasa en un buen filete de buey.

Any gourmet will know how to appreciate the marbling (fat vein) in a good ox fillet.

Future tense 'sabrá' and specific term 'veta'.

La industria cárnica ha estandarizado el grosor del filete para el consumo masivo.

The meat industry has standardized the thickness of the fillet for mass consumption.

Socio-economic context.

Bajo la apariencia de un filete convencional, se escondía una innovadora carne sintética.

Under the appearance of a conventional fillet, an innovative synthetic meat was hidden.

Complex sentence structure with inversion.

El crítico gastronómico elogió la textura aterciopelada del filete de rodaballo.

The food critic praised the velvety texture of the turbot fillet.

Descriptive literary adjectives.

La disección del filete reveló una frescura que solo se halla en los puertos de alba.

The dissection of the fillet revealed a freshness only found in dawn ports.

Poetic and highly precise language.

En el lienzo del plato, el filete de ciervo cobraba una dimensión casi pictórica.

On the canvas of the plate, the venison fillet took on an almost pictorial dimension.

Metaphorical usage.

La hegemonía del filete en la dieta occidental está siendo cuestionada por nuevos paradigmas éticos.

The hegemony of the fillet in the Western diet is being questioned by new ethical paradigms.

Academic/Sociological discourse.

Resulta fascinante cómo el concepto de 'filete' ha permeado incluso la ornamentación arquitectónica del plateresco.

It is fascinating how the concept of 'filete' has permeated even the architectural ornamentation of the Plateresque style.

Niche, multi-disciplinary knowledge.

La maestría con la que el artesano filetea el cuero recuerda a la precisión de un cirujano.

The mastery with which the artisan slices the leather recalls the precision of a surgeon.

Using 'filetear' in a non-culinary, artisanal context.

No es sino a través de un filete de luz que logramos vislumbrar la magnitud de la catacumba.

It is only through a sliver (fillet) of light that we manage to glimpse the magnitude of the catacomb.

Highly metaphorical/literary use of 'filete' as a 'sliver'.

La semántica del filete varía sutilmente entre las crónicas coloniales y el habla contemporánea.

The semantics of the 'filete' vary subtly between colonial chronicles and contemporary speech.

Linguistic analysis.

Aquel filete de voz, trémulo y casi inaudible, bastó para conmover a la audiencia.

That sliver of a voice, trembling and almost inaudible, was enough to move the audience.

Abstract usage in emotional description.

Collocations courantes

Filete de ternera

Filete de pescado

Filete a la plancha

Filete empanado

Filete de pollo

Filete de cerdo

Filetear el pescado

Filete de buey

Hacer un filete

Filete tierno

Phrases Courantes

Quiero un filete

— I want a fillet. Used when ordering food.

Quiero un filete de ternera, por favor.

Filete con patatas

— Fillet with potatoes. The most standard side dish pairing.

El plato del día es filete con patatas.

Filete de la casa

— House steak. The specialty of the restaurant.

¿Qué trae el filete de la casa?

Filete bien hecho

— Well-done fillet. For those who don't like pink meat.

Me gusta el filete bien hecho, sin sangre.

Filete poco hecho

— Rare fillet. For those who like it juicy and red.

El filete poco hecho es más sabroso.

Filete al punto

— Medium fillet. The middle ground of cooking.

Prefiero el filete al punto, ni muy crudo ni muy seco.

Filete de merluza

— Hake fillet. The most common fish fillet in Spain.

Cenamos filete de merluza a la romana.

Cortar en filetes

— To cut into fillets. A common instruction in recipes.

Tienes que cortar la carne en filetes finos.

Filete de pechuga

— Breast fillet. Usually referring to chicken or turkey.

Compré filetes de pechuga de pavo.

Un filete de...

— A fillet of... The standard way to specify the type of meat.

Tráigame un filete de lenguado.

Souvent confondu avec

filete vs Bistec

English speakers might think 'filete' is only for fish, while 'bistec' is for beef. In Spain, 'filete' is used for both.

filete vs Chuleta

A 'chuleta' has a bone; a 'filete' does not.

filete vs Flete

Flete means 'freight' or 'shipping charge'. It sounds similar but is completely different.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Estar como un filete"

— To be very thin or flat. Used colloquially to describe someone's physique.

Después de la dieta, se ha quedado como un filete.

Informal

"Filete ruso"

— A meat patty or Salisbury steak. Not really an idiom, but a specific cultural term.

Mi madre nos hacía filete ruso con tomate los martes.

Neutral

"Más tieso que un filete de suela"

— Tougher than a shoe-sole steak. Used to describe overcooked meat.

Este filete está más tieso que un filete de suela.

Informal

"Filete de luz"

— A thin beam or sliver of light.

Un filete de luz entraba por la persiana.

Literary

"Filetear a alguien"

— To slice someone up (figuratively or literally in violent contexts).

En la película, el villano amenazó con filetearlo.

Slang/Violent

"Ni chicha ni limoná"

— Neither meat nor lemonade. Used when something is mediocre or undefined (related to meat/carne).

Esa película no es ni chicha ni limoná.

Informal

"Poner toda la carne en el asador"

— To put all the meat on the grill. Meaning to go all out or risk everything.

En la final del torneo, el equipo puso toda la carne en el asador.

Common

"Ser carne de cañón"

— To be cannon fodder. Used for people easily sacrificed.

Los becarios a veces se sienten como carne de cañón.

Neutral

"Cortar el bacalao"

— To cut the cod. Meaning to be the boss or the one in charge (related to slicing fish).

En esta oficina, María es la que corta el bacalao.

Informal

"Tener mucha miga"

— To have a lot of crumb (substance). Often used in contrast to thin things like a filete.

Este asunto tiene mucha miga.

Informal

Facile à confondre

filete vs Filete

Looks like the English 'fillet'.

In English, 'fillet' is almost always fish. In Spanish, 'filete' is very often beef or chicken.

Un filete de ternera (Beef steak).

filete vs Loncha

Both refer to a slice.

A 'loncha' is thin like paper (ham, cheese). A 'filete' is a thick slice for a main course.

Una loncha de queso vs un filete de ternera.

filete vs Tajada

Both mean slice/piece.

A 'tajada' is a chunk or a slice of something like watermelon or a thick piece of fried fish with bones.

Una tajada de sandía.

filete vs Bistec

Both mean steak.

'Bistec' is specifically for beef and more common in LatAm. 'Filete' is generic for any meat/fish.

Quiero un bistec de res.

filete vs Escalope

Both are thin meat slices.

An 'escalope' is specifically thin and usually breaded. 'Filete' is the broader category.

Escalope milanesa.

Structures de phrases

Yo quiero un filete de [animal].

Yo quiero un filete de pollo.

¿Cómo quiere el filete, [punto]?

¿Cómo quiere el filete, muy hecho?

He cocinado un filete con [guarnición].

He cocinado un filete con verduras.

Es importante que el filete esté [estado].

Es importante que el filete esté bien sazonado.

La textura del filete de [pescado] es [adjetivo].

La textura del filete de rodaballo es incomparable.

Aquel filete de [sustantivo abstracto] me conmovió.

Aquel filete de esperanza me conmovió.

El filete de [animal] es [adjetivo].

El filete de ternera es tierno.

Prefiero el filete [método] que el [método].

Prefiero el filete empanado que el filete a la plancha.

Famille de mots

Noms

Fileteado (a style of painting)

Fileteador (one who fillets)

Fileteo (the act of filleting)

Verbes

Filetear (to cut into fillets)

Adjectifs

Fileteado (filleted or decorated with fillets)

Apparenté

Carne

Pescado

Cuchillo

Plancha

Sartén

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely common in daily Spanish life.

Erreurs courantes

La filete → El filete
Filete is a masculine noun despite ending in -e.
Filete de res → Filete de ternera
While 'res' is used in LatAm, in Spain 'ternera' is the standard term for beef in a culinary context.
Yo filete el pescado → Yo fileteo el pescado
You must use the verb 'filetear', not the noun 'filete', for the action.
Quiero un filete con huesos → Quiero una chuleta
A 'filete' is by definition boneless. If you want bone-in, ask for a 'chuleta'.
Filete de jamón → Loncha de jamón
Cured ham is served in 'lonchas' (thin slices), not 'filetes'.

Astuces

Gender Agreement

Always remember 'filete' is masculine. When buying multiple, it becomes 'los filetes'. Make sure your adjectives match: 'filetes sabrosos'.

Spain vs LatAm

If you are in Mexico or Argentina, use 'bistec' for beef to sound more local. In Spain, stick with 'filete'.

Specify the Animal

Never just ask for 'un filete'. Always add 'de ternera', 'de pollo', or 'de pescado' so the waiter knows what you want.

The 'E' sound

Spanish 'e' is always the same. Don't let it turn into an 'ay' sound at the end of 'filete'. It's short like 'pet'.

Buying by weight

In Spain, you usually buy meat by the gram or kilo. 'Deme 500 gramos de filetes de ternera' is a perfect phrase.

A la plancha

This is the healthiest and most common way to eat a filete. It means grilled on a flat surface.

Fish bones

Remember that a 'filete de pescado' should be 'sin espinas' (without bones/spines). Check this if you are in a rustic restaurant.

The 'De' connection

Use 'de' to link 'filete' with the type of meat. 'Filete de cerdo' = Pork fillet.

Menú del día

The 'filete' is a hero of the Spanish lunch menu. It's reliable, fast, and usually comes with fries.

Think of 'Thread'

The word comes from 'thread'. Think of the muscle fibers (threads) of the meat being sliced.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a 'fillet' of fish that you 'ate' (filete). It sounds like 'fillet' + 'eh'.

Association visuelle

Picture a thin, perfectly sliced piece of meat on a white plate with a sprig of parsley. The shape is long and thin, like a thick 'thread' (the original meaning).

Word Web

Carne Pescado Cuchillo Cena Plancha Tierno Empanado Restaurante

Défi

Go to a local Spanish market or look at an online menu from Spain and find three different types of 'filete' offered. Write them down with their prices.

Origine du mot

Derived from the French word 'filet', which is the diminutive of 'fil' (thread). It originally referred to a thin strip or thread of meat.

Sens originel : A small thread or ribbon.

Romance (via French)

Contexte culturel

Be aware that in some highly religious or traditional contexts, meat consumption ('filete de carne') might be a sensitive topic during specific fasts.

English speakers often distinguish between 'steak' (beef) and 'fillet' (fish). Spanish uses 'filete' for both, which can be surprising at first.

The 'Filete Ruso'—a staple in Spanish school canteens. Karlos Arguiñano's recipes often feature 'filetes de ternera'. The movie 'El Pollo Loco' mentions 'filetes de pechuga'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At the restaurant

¿Qué tipo de filete tienen?
Quiero el filete poco hecho.
¿Viene el filete con patatas?
El filete de pescado está muy fresco.

At the butcher shop

Deme cuatro filetes de ternera.
¿Puede cortar los filetes más finos?
¿Qué filete es mejor para la plancha?
Póngame medio kilo de filetes de pollo.

Cooking at home

Voy a freír unos filetes.
Hay que sazonar el filete.
El filete ya está listo.
¿Prefieres filete de carne o de pescado?

Reading a menu

Filete de ternera con guarnición.
Filete de merluza a la romana.
Filete de pechuga empanado.
Especialidad: Filete de la casa.

Talking about health

El filete de pavo no tiene mucha grasa.
Es mejor comer el filete a la plancha.
Un filete de salmón es muy saludable.
No comas demasiados filetes de carne roja.

Amorces de conversation

"¿Cómo te gusta más el filete: a la plancha o empanado?"

"¿Prefieres un filete de ternera o un filete de pescado para cenar?"

"¿Cuál es el mejor restaurante para comer un buen filete en esta ciudad?"

"¿Sabes cómo filetear un pescado entero o lo compras ya hecho?"

"¿Qué guarnición prefieres con un filete: patatas, ensalada o arroz?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe la mejor comida que has tenido que incluía un filete. ¿Dónde estabas?

Escribe una receta paso a paso para cocinar un filete de pescado perfecto.

¿Crees que es mejor comprar filetes en un mercado tradicional o en un supermercado? ¿Por qué?

Imagina que eres un chef. ¿Cómo presentarías un filete de ternera en un concurso de cocina?

Reflexiona sobre cómo ha cambiado tu dieta respecto al consumo de filetes de carne o pescado.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, in Spanish, 'filete' is used for beef, chicken, pork, and fish. It simply means a boneless slice of protein. For example, 'filete de ternera' is very common in Spain.

In Spain, 'filete' is the standard word for any thin meat slice. In Latin America, 'bistec' is more common for beef. 'Filete' is used for fish in both regions.

You can say 'un filete al punto' for medium or 'poco hecho' for rare. If you want it specifically medium-rare, you can say 'entre poco hecho y al punto'.

It is masculine: 'el filete'. You should always say 'un filete' or 'el filete', never 'la filete'.

No, a 'filete' is by definition boneless. If it has a bone, it is usually called a 'chuleta' (chop) or 'tajada'.

It means a breaded fillet. It is coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then fried. It is a very popular dish for children.

No, the noun is 'filete'. The verb 'to fillet' is 'filetear'. For example: 'Voy a filetear el pescado'.

A 'filete ruso' is similar to a Salisbury steak or a hamburger patty without the bun. It is made of minced meat mixed with breadcrumbs and spices.

It is a fillet cooked on a flat metal grill with very little oil. It is considered a healthy way to prepare meat or fish.

Yes, in specialized contexts like architecture or bookbinding, it refers to a thin decorative strip or line. However, this is not common in everyday speech.

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