la carnicería
la carnicería en 30 secondes
- A carnicería is a dedicated butcher shop for fresh meat, distinct from a general supermarket or a deli that sells cured products.
- It is a feminine noun ('la carnicería') and is a vital part of neighborhood life and traditional Spanish culinary culture.
- Common verbs used with it include 'ir' (to go), 'comprar' (to buy), and 'pedir' (to ask for/order meat).
- Metaphorically, it can refer to a scene of violence or carnage, though its primary meaning is always related to food.
The Spanish word la carnicería refers specifically to a butcher shop—a retail establishment where meat is prepared, processed, and sold to the public. While in many English-speaking countries, people primarily buy their meat pre-packaged in large supermarkets, the carnicería remains a cornerstone of daily life and culinary culture in Spain and Latin America. It represents more than just a place of commerce; it is a space of social interaction and expert craftsmanship. When you enter a traditional Spanish carnicería, you are not just a customer; you are seeking the advice of a specialist who knows exactly which cut of beef is best for a slow-cooked stew and which pork chop will remain juicy on the grill.
- The Physical Space
- A typical carnicería is characterized by its refrigerated glass displays showcasing various cuts of meat, from 'solomillo' (sirloin) to 'costillas' (ribs). You will often see whole carcasses or large sections of meat hanging behind the counter, and the sound of a heavy cleaver hitting a wooden chopping block is the distinctive soundtrack of the shop.
Mañana por la mañana tengo que ir a la carnicería para comprar el cordero para la cena de Navidad.
The term is derived from 'carne' (meat), and its usage is strictly tied to the location. However, it is important to distinguish it from the 'charcutería', which focuses on cured meats, sausages, and cheeses. In many neighborhood markets, these two might be side-by-side or even combined, but the carnicería is where the raw, fresh butchery happens. Culturally, the butcher (el carnicero) is a respected figure. Regular customers often have a 'carnicero de confianza' (trusted butcher) whom they ask for specific favors, such as 'límpieme esta grasa' (clean this fat off for me) or 'múelame esta pieza' (grind this piece for me).
- Metaphorical Usage
- In a more graphic or informal sense, 'carnicería' can be used to describe a scene of great violence or a 'slaughter,' similar to the English word 'carnage.' If a sports team loses by a massive margin in a brutal way, a commentator might colloquially refer to it as a 'carnicería'.
El accidente en la autopista fue una verdadera carnicería; fue muy difícil de ver.
Historically, carnicerías were regulated by local guilds and were often located in specific quarters of a city due to the need for water and waste management. Today, while modern hygiene standards have changed the look of these shops, the essence of the 'barrio' (neighborhood) carnicería remains. It is a place where people discuss local news while waiting for their number to be called. The phrase '¿Quién es el último?' (Who is the last one in line?) is the standard way to establish your place in the queue, as formal lines are rare in smaller shops.
- Regional Variations
- In Argentina and Uruguay, countries famous for their beef consumption, the carnicería is almost a sacred site. The butchers there are specialists in 'asado' (barbecue) cuts that you might not find in other countries. In Mexico, a carnicería might also sell 'chicharrón' (fried pork skins) freshly made on-site.
En esta carnicería siempre tienen la mejor ternera de la región.
La carnicería de la esquina cierra los domingos por la tarde.
Prefiero comprar en la carnicería tradicional que en el supermercado grande.
Using la carnicería in a sentence requires an understanding of basic Spanish prepositions and shopping vocabulary. Most commonly, it appears with the preposition 'a' to indicate movement towards the shop, or 'en' to indicate location. Because it is a feminine noun, it must be preceded by 'la', 'una', 'esta', or 'aquella'. When you are talking about the action of shopping, you will frequently use verbs like 'ir' (to go), 'comprar' (to buy), 'entrar' (to enter), or 'buscar' (to look for).
- Direction and Movement
- When you are heading to the butcher, use 'a la'. Remember that 'a' + 'la' does not contract (unlike 'a' + 'el' which becomes 'al'). For example: 'Voy a la carnicería'.
¿Puedes pasar por la carnicería cuando salgas del trabajo?
In a conversational context, you might also use the word to describe the quality of a place or to give directions. Since carnicerías are often distinct and well-known landmarks in a neighborhood, they serve as excellent reference points. You might say, 'Gira a la derecha después de la carnicería' (Turn right after the butcher shop). This highlights the shop's role as a fixed point in the community's geography.
- Descriptive Sentences
- When describing the shop, you can use adjectives like 'limpia' (clean), 'barata' (cheap), 'cara' (expensive), or 'tradicional' (traditional). Example: 'Es una carnicería muy limpia y moderna'.
Aquella carnicería tiene una oferta excelente de chuletas de cerdo esta semana.
Furthermore, in more advanced contexts, the word can appear in plural form las carnicerías when discussing industry trends or general habits. For instance, 'Las carnicerías locales están sufriendo por la competencia de las grandes superficies' (Local butcher shops are suffering from competition with large supermarkets). This structural use allows for broader sociological or economic discussions regarding food distribution and urban life.
- Interacting with the Butcher
- While inside the carnicería, your sentences will often involve 'querer' (to want) or 'poner' (to give/put). 'Quisiera medio kilo de carne picada' (I would like half a kilo of ground meat) or 'Póngame tres pechugas de pollo' (Give me three chicken breasts).
Hay mucha gente esperando en la carnicería, así que volveré más tarde.
No me gusta el olor que hay en esa carnicería específica.
Mi abuelo trabajó en una carnicería durante más de cuarenta años.
In a Spanish-speaking environment, you will hear la carnicería in several distinct settings. The most obvious is the 'mercado de abastos' (central market). These massive halls are filled with stalls, and the 'puestos de carnicería' are usually grouped together. Here, the word is shouted by vendors or mentioned by shoppers looking for their favorite butcher. You will also hear it in every residential neighborhood (el barrio). Even in modern cities, small independent carnicerías thrive because people value the freshness and personalized service over the pre-packaged options found in 'el súper' (the supermarket).
- Daily Errands and Small Talk
- When neighbors meet on the street, it is common to hear: 'Vengo de la carnicería, ¡mira qué buena pinta tiene este entrecot!' (I'm coming from the butcher, look how good this ribeye looks!). It is a standard part of the 'recados' (errands) conversation.
En el mercado central, la carnicería de Paco es la más famosa por su chorizo casero.
You will also encounter the word frequently on television, especially during cooking shows or news segments about food prices. In Spain, the 'IPC' (Consumer Price Index) often highlights the cost of meat, leading news anchors to discuss 'los precios en la carnicería'. In cinema and literature, the carnicería often serves as a setting for gritty, realistic scenes or as a symbol of the working-class heart of a town. The sensory details—the sawdust on the floor, the cold air, the red color of the meat—make it a powerful descriptive tool for writers.
- Metaphorical and News Contexts
- In news reports about wars or accidents, you might unfortunately hear 'una auténtica carnicería' to describe a massacre. This is a very strong and graphic term, usually reserved for situations of extreme carnage.
La prensa describió la batalla como una carnicería sin precedentes.
Finally, you will hear it in professional kitchens. Chefs will talk about their suppliers, often referring to a specific 'carnicería industrial' that provides meat in bulk. In this context, the word takes on a more technical, supply-chain meaning. Whether it is a grandmother complaining about the price of chicken or a chef praising the quality of a veal shank, 'la carnicería' is an inescapable term in the Spanish-speaking world's culinary dialogue.
Si buscas carne de calidad, no vayas al súper, ve a la carnicería de la plaza.
Ayer vi a tu madre en la carnicería comprando ternera para el guiso.
¿Sabes si la carnicería abre los sábados por la tarde?
One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers is confusing the place with the product or the person. In English, 'the butcher' can refer to both the shop ('I'm going to the butcher') and the person ('The butcher is very friendly'). In Spanish, these are distinct: la carnicería is the shop, and el carnicero (or la carnicera) is the person. You cannot say 'Voy al carnicero' to mean you are going to the shop; you must say 'Voy a la carnicería' or 'Voy a ver al carnicero' (I'm going to see the butcher).
- Place vs. Person
- Mistake: 'Hablé con la carnicería' (I spoke with the butcher shop). Correct: 'Hablé con el carnicero' (I spoke with the butcher). Use the shop name for location, the person for interaction.
No digas 'el carnicería'; recuerda que es femenino: la carnicería.
Another common error is confusing carnicería with charcutería. While they both sell animal products, their inventories are different. If you go to a carnicería asking for Manchego cheese or sliced Serrano ham, they might have some, but it is not their specialty. You go to the carnicería for raw steaks, chops, and ground meat. For cold cuts, cheeses, and pâtés, you need the charcutería. In some regions, you might also see pollería (poultry shop) and casquería (offal shop), which further subdivide the meat market.
- Spelling and Pronunciation
- Be careful with the accent on the 'í'. It is 'carnicer-í-a'. Without the accent, the stress would fall on the 'e', which is incorrect. Also, don't confuse it with 'carrocería' (car bodywork), which sounds similar but is obviously very different!
Es un error común escribir carniceria sin tilde; siempre lleva acento en la 'í'.
Lastly, learners sometimes use 'carne' when they mean the shop. 'Compré esto en la carne' is incorrect. You must specify the establishment. Think of it like the difference between 'meat' and 'meat shop'. Even if it seems redundant to you, Spanish grammar requires the specific noun for the location. Also, watch out for the 'false friend' aspect in metaphorical use—while 'carnage' is usually very serious in English, 'carnicería' can occasionally be used slightly more hyperbolically in sports, though it remains a strong word.
Confundir la carnicería con la charcutería es un error típico de los turistas.
No entres en la carnicería con el perro; no está permitido por higiene.
¿Dijo 'carrocería' o carnicería? La pronunciación es muy diferente.
While la carnicería is the primary term for a butcher shop, there are several related terms that describe similar or overlapping businesses. Understanding these nuances will help you navigate a Spanish market like a local. The most important distinction is the charcutería, as mentioned before, but there are others like the casquería, which is a specialized shop for offal (liver, kidneys, tripe, etc.). In some regions, you might find a recova, which is an old-fashioned term for a market place where poultry and game are sold.
- Carnicería vs. Charcutería
- Carnicería: Sells fresh, raw meat (beef, pork, lamb). Charcutería: Sells cured meats (jamón, salchichón), sausages, and often cheeses and olives. Many modern shops are 'Carnicería-Charcutería'.
Si quieres jamón serrano, ve a la charcutería; si quieres filetes, ve a la carnicería.
In larger retail contexts, you have the supermercado (supermarket) or the hipermercado (hypermarket). Within these, there is usually a 'sección de carnicería' (butcher section). While it serves the same purpose, people often distinguish between 'carne de carnicería' (implying traditional, high-quality meat from a small shop) and 'carne de súper' (implying mass-produced, pre-packaged meat). The term puesto is also used if the butcher shop is just a stall within a larger market hall ('el puesto de carne').
- Specialized Alternatives
- Pollería: Specifically for chicken and poultry. Casquería: For variety meats/offal. Salchichería: A shop focused on sausages (common in some parts of South America).
Prefiero la casquería para comprar callos, pero para el lomo siempre voy a la carnicería.
In a metaphorical sense, synonyms for 'carnicería' (as in carnage) include matanza (slaughter), masacre (massacre), or escabechina (a colloquial term for a total mess or 'wipeout'). However, in daily life, 99% of the time you use carnicería, you are talking about the place where you buy your dinner. It is a word that evokes a sense of tradition, quality, and community. Even as global food chains grow, the carnicería de barrio remains a resilient symbol of local Spanish culture.
La carnicería gourmet del centro vende carne de buey madurada.
¿Hay alguna carnicería abierta a estas horas de la noche?
El carnicero de la carnicería 'La Vaca Feliz' es muy simpático.
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
In medieval times, the carnicería was not just a shop but a regulated guild. Butchers had to follow strict religious and civic laws about which animals could be slaughtered and when.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing it without the stress on the 'i' (car-ni-CE-ria).
- Confusing the 'c' sound with a 'k' sound (it is soft, like 's' or 'th').
- Forgetting the tapped Spanish 'r' and using a swallowed English 'r'.
- Mispronouncing the 'ia' ending as two distinct syllables without the proper glide.
- Omitting the 'n' in the middle.
Niveau de difficulté
Very easy to recognize on signs and in text.
Requires remembering the accent on the 'í'.
Need to practice the soft 'c' and the tapped 'r'.
Distinctive sound, usually easy to pick out in conversation.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Nouns ending in -ería are almost always feminine.
La carnicería, la panadería, la librería.
The preposition 'a' indicates destination with carnicería.
Voy a la carnicería.
The written accent on 'í' is required for the hiatus between 'i' and 'a'.
Carnicería (four syllables: car-ni-ce-rí-a).
Adjective agreement with feminine nouns.
La carnicería limpia.
Use of 'en' for location.
Estoy en la carnicería.
Exemples par niveau
La carnicería está abierta.
The butcher shop is open.
Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.
Voy a la carnicería.
I am going to the butcher shop.
Use of 'a la' for destination.
La carnicería es pequeña.
The butcher shop is small.
Feminine agreement between 'la', 'carnicería', and 'pequeña'.
Hay carne en la carnicería.
There is meat in the butcher shop.
Use of 'hay' for existence.
Mi carnicería favorita.
My favorite butcher shop.
Possessive adjective 'mi'.
La carnicería cierra a las dos.
The butcher shop closes at two.
Present tense verb 'cierra'.
Busco una carnicería.
I am looking for a butcher shop.
Use of indefinite article 'una'.
¿Dónde está la carnicería?
Where is the butcher shop?
Basic question structure with 'dónde'.
Compré pollo en la carnicería de la esquina.
I bought chicken at the butcher shop on the corner.
Preterite tense 'compré'.
La carnicería tiene muy buena ternera.
The butcher shop has very good beef.
Descriptive 'tiene' + adjective phrase.
Mañana iré a la carnicería temprano.
Tomorrow I will go to the butcher shop early.
Future tense 'iré'.
No hay mucha gente en la carnicería hoy.
There aren't many people in the butcher shop today.
Negative 'no hay' + quantifier.
Esta carnicería es más barata que el supermercado.
This butcher shop is cheaper than the supermarket.
Comparative 'más... que'.
El carnicero trabaja en la carnicería.
The butcher works in the butcher shop.
Distinction between person and place.
¿A qué hora abre la carnicería?
What time does the butcher shop open?
Time-related question.
Necesito ir a la carnicería para el asado.
I need to go to the butcher shop for the barbecue.
Use of 'para' for purpose.
Siempre pido que me limpien la carne en la carnicería.
I always ask them to clean the meat for me at the butcher shop.
Subjunctive 'limpien' after 'pedir que'.
Si vas a la carnicería, tráeme un kilo de carne picada.
If you go to the butcher shop, bring me a kilo of ground meat.
Conditional 'si' + imperative 'trae'.
La carnicería donde suelo comprar ha subido los precios.
The butcher shop where I usually buy has raised the prices.
Relative clause with 'donde'.
Me gusta el trato personal que recibo en la carnicería.
I like the personal treatment I receive at the butcher shop.
Use of 'trato personal' as a concept.
Antes había más carnicerías tradicionales en este barrio.
Before, there were more traditional butcher shops in this neighborhood.
Imperfect 'había' for past states.
Es importante que la carnicería cumpla con las normas de higiene.
It is important that the butcher shop complies with hygiene regulations.
Impersonal expression + subjunctive.
La carnicería de mi tío es famosa por sus chorizos.
My uncle's butcher shop is famous for its chorizos.
Possessive 'de mi tío'.
He visto una oferta increíble en la carnicería de enfrente.
I have seen an incredible offer in the butcher shop across the street.
Present perfect 'he visto'.
La carnicería artesanal está ganando terreno frente a la industrial.
Artisanal butchery is gaining ground against industrial butchery.
Gerund 'ganando' for ongoing actions.
Aquel accidente de tráfico fue una auténtica carnicería.
That traffic accident was an absolute slaughter.
Metaphorical use of 'carnicería'.
El cierre de la carnicería local afectó mucho a los vecinos.
The closing of the local butcher shop affected the neighbors a lot.
Noun 'cierre' as the subject.
Prefiero pagar un poco más en la carnicería si la carne es de proximidad.
I prefer to pay a bit more at the butcher shop if the meat is locally sourced.
Concept of 'carne de proximidad'.
Aunque la carnicería sea cara, la calidad merece la pena.
Even though the butcher shop is expensive, the quality is worth it.
Concessive 'aunque' + subjunctive.
La carnicería ha tenido que adaptarse a las nuevas tendencias de consumo.
The butcher shop has had to adapt to new consumption trends.
Infinitive 'adaptarse' after 'tener que'.
Dudo que encuentres un solomillo mejor que el de esta carnicería.
I doubt you will find a better sirloin than the one from this butcher shop.
Expression of doubt + subjunctive.
La carnicería se especializa en cortes argentinos para barbacoa.
The butcher shop specializes in Argentine cuts for barbecue.
Reflexive verb 'especializarse'.
La carnicería, como institución social, está en declive en las grandes urbes.
The butcher shop, as a social institution, is in decline in large cities.
Apposition 'como institución social'.
Resulta paradójico que en la carnicería más vieja vendan carne ecológica.
It is paradoxical that in the oldest butcher shop they sell organic meat.
Impersonal 'resulta paradójico que' + subjunctive.
La novela describe con crudeza el ambiente gélido de la carnicería.
The novel describes with rawness the frigid atmosphere of the butcher shop.
Literary use of 'crudeza' and 'gélido'.
No es solo una carnicería, es el corazón palpitante del mercado central.
It is not just a butcher shop, it is the beating heart of the central market.
Metaphorical 'corazón palpitante'.
Se produjo una carnicería dialéctica en el debate parlamentario.
A dialectical slaughter occurred in the parliamentary debate.
Abstract metaphorical use.
La trazabilidad del producto es impecable en esta carnicería de renombre.
The product traceability is impeccable in this renowned butcher shop.
Technical term 'trazabilidad'.
A pesar de la crisis, la carnicería ha mantenido su clientela fiel.
Despite the crisis, the butcher shop has maintained its loyal clientele.
Connector 'a pesar de'.
La estética de la carnicería tradicional ha inspirado a muchos fotógrafos.
The aesthetics of the traditional butcher shop have inspired many photographers.
Subject 'la estética' with plural verb 'han inspirado'.
La carnicería devino en un escenario dantesco tras el bombardeo.
The butcher shop turned into a Dantean scene after the bombing.
Use of 'devino' (became) and 'dantesco'.
Existe una correlación entre el auge de las carnicerías gourmet y la gentrificación.
There is a correlation between the rise of gourmet butcher shops and gentrification.
Socio-economic vocabulary.
Su prosa es una carnicería donde disecciona la realidad sin piedad.
His prose is a slaughterhouse where he dissects reality without mercy.
Highly abstract literary metaphor.
La carnicería de la esquina es el último vestigio de un mundo que desaparece.
The butcher shop on the corner is the last vestige of a disappearing world.
Nostalgic and evocative language.
Bajo la apariencia de una simple carnicería se escondía un centro de espionaje.
Under the guise of a simple butcher shop, an espionage center was hidden.
Narrative structure 'bajo la apariencia de'.
La carnicería mediática a la que fue sometido el político fue brutal.
The media slaughter to which the politician was subjected was brutal.
Metaphor 'carnicería mediática'.
El gremio de carnicerías ha interpuesto un recurso contra la nueva ley.
The butchers' guild has filed an appeal against the new law.
Legal/administrative terminology.
Resulta fútil intentar emular el sabor de la carnicería tradicional con procesos industriales.
It is futile to try to emulate the flavor of the traditional butcher shop with industrial processes.
Advanced adjective 'fútil' and verb 'emular'.
Synonymes
Antonymes
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— Asking for the location of a butcher shop.
Perdone, ¿dónde hay una carnicería por aquí?
— Referring to the shop across the street.
Lo compré en la carnicería de enfrente.
— To stop by the butcher shop while doing other things.
Voy a pasar por la carnicería antes de ir a casa.
— A shop that has been there forever, implying trust and tradition.
Es la carnicería de toda la vida, mis padres ya compraban allí.
— To wait in line at the butcher shop.
Había mucha gente haciendo cola en la carnicería.
— High quality meat from a butcher as opposed to a supermarket.
Esta es carne de carnicería, se nota en el sabor.
— To start a butcher shop business.
Quieren abrir una carnicería en el nuevo centro comercial.
— The shop is not currently open for business.
Llegué tarde y la carnicería estaba cerrada.
— To ask for information or a specific cut at the shop.
Mejor pregunta en la carnicería si tienen cordero.
Souvent confondu avec
Carnicero is the person (butcher), carnicería is the shop.
Carne is the substance (meat), carnicería is the place that sells it.
Charcutería sells cured meats and cheeses, carnicería sells fresh raw meat.
Expressions idiomatiques
— To cause a massacre or to do something very badly and violently.
El delantero hizo una carnicería con la defensa rival.
Colloquial/Metaphorical— To describe a situation that is chaotic, bloody, or disastrous.
El examen de matemáticas fue una carnicería; suspendió casi toda la clase.
Slang/Informal— To look like a mess or a place where something violent happened.
Tu habitación parece una carnicería con toda esa ropa roja por el suelo.
Informal— To have a strong smell of raw meat, often used negatively.
Después de la caza, el cobertizo olía a carnicería.
Neutral— A very strong expression for a mass loss of life in war or disaster.
La guerra resultó en una carnicería humana espantosa.
Formal/Literary— To enter a place with no respect or with aggressive intentions.
Entró en la oficina como en una carnicería, gritando a todo el mundo.
Informal— A price war where companies cut prices drastically.
Hay una carnicería de precios entre las aerolíneas de bajo coste.
Journalistic— To end up in a disastrous or bloody state.
Tras la pelea, el bar quedó como una carnicería.
Informal— To create a huge mess or conflict.
Como no nos pongamos de acuerdo, se va a montar una carnicería en la reunión.
Colloquial— A particularly brutal or aggressive political debate.
Ayer presenciamos una auténtica carnicería parlamentaria.
JournalisticFacile à confondre
Sounds very similar.
Carrocería refers to the body of a car or vehicle. Carnicería is for meat.
Llevé el coche a arreglar la carrocería, no a la carnicería.
Similar ending and length.
Cancillería is a chancellery or government office. Carnicería is a shop.
El embajador trabaja en la cancillería.
Related to animals and similar sound.
Cacería is the act of hunting. Carnicería is the retail shop.
Se fueron de cacería el fin de semana.
Same suffix.
Librería is a bookstore. Carnicería is a butcher shop.
Compré un libro en la librería y carne en la carnicería.
Same suffix, both food shops.
Panadería sells bread. Carnicería sells meat.
La panadería huele a pan, la carnicería huele a carne.
Structures de phrases
La carnicería es + [adjective]
La carnicería es grande.
Voy a la carnicería a comprar + [noun]
Voy a la carnicería a comprar cerdo.
La carnicería donde + [verb]
La carnicería donde compro es barata.
Si la carnicería + [present subjunctive], [future]
Si la carnicería esté cerrada, iré al súper.
A pesar de ser una carnicería, + [clause]
A pesar de ser una carnicería, venden quesos excelentes.
La carnicería se erige como + [noun phrase]
La carnicería se erige como el último bastión del comercio local.
¿Dónde está la carnicería más + [adjective]?
¿Dónde está la carnicería más cercana?
En la carnicería hay + [noun]
En la carnicería hay mucha gente.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
High (Daily life word)
-
El carnicería
→
La carnicería
Carnicería is a feminine noun ending in 'a'.
-
Voy al carnicero
→
Voy a la carnicería
In Spanish, you go to the shop, not the person, unless you specifically mean you are visiting them.
-
Carniceria (no accent)
→
Carnicería
The accent on the 'í' is mandatory to maintain the correct stress and pronunciation.
-
Comprar jamón en la carnicería
→
Comprar jamón en la charcutería
While some shops combine both, traditionally you buy cured ham at a charcutería.
-
La carnicería de carne
→
La carnicería
Saying 'de carne' is redundant as a carnicería only sells meat.
Astuces
Establish your place
When you enter a busy carnicería, ask '¿Quién es el último?' to know who you are after. There are often no formal lines.
Accent matters
Always write the accent on the 'í'. Without it, the word is pronounced incorrectly and looks unprofessional.
Know your weights
Meat is sold by the kilo. Half a kilo is 'medio kilo' (500g) and a quarter is 'un cuarto de kilo' (250g).
Cuts of meat
Learn a few basic cuts like 'filete' (steak), 'carne picada' (ground meat), and 'chuletas' (chops) before you go.
Be friendly
Butchers appreciate regular customers. Saying 'Buenos días' and 'Hasta luego' is essential for good service.
Check local names
While 'carnicería' is universal, some countries have specific names for meat stalls like 'famas' in parts of Colombia.
Article usage
Remember 'a la carnicería' for 'to the butcher shop'. Don't use 'al' because the noun is feminine.
Look for cleanliness
A good carnicería should look and smell clean. This is a sign of high-quality meat and professional standards.
Ask for advice
If you don't know what cut to buy, tell the carnicero what you are cooking (e.g., 'para guisar' for stewing) and they will help.
Word connections
Link 'carnicería' with 'carnívoro' and 'carnaval' (which historically meant 'farewell to meat') to remember the root.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of 'CARNE' (meat) + 'ICE' (cold) + 'RIA' (area). A 'Carnicería' is a cold area where they sell carne.
Association visuelle
Imagine a bright red shop front with a giant steak hanging over the door and a friendly butcher waving a cleaver.
Word Web
Défi
Try to name five different things you can buy in a carnicería without looking at a dictionary.
Origine du mot
Derived from the Spanish word 'carne' (meat), which comes from the Latin 'caro, carnis'. The suffix '-icería' denotes a place of business or a trade.
Sens originel : A place where meat is handled or sold.
Romance (Latin-based).Contexte culturel
Be mindful that for vegetarians or vegans, the sights and smells of a traditional carnicería can be quite intense.
English speakers might be surprised by the sight of whole animals hanging in a traditional carnicería, which is less common in modern US or UK supermarkets.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Shopping for dinner
- ¿Tienen ternera?
- Póngame medio kilo
- ¿Está fresca la carne?
- ¿A cuánto está el kilo?
Giving directions
- Al lado de la carnicería
- Gira en la carnicería
- Frente a la carnicería
- Pasando la carnicería
Discussing quality
- Es una carnicería excelente
- No me gusta esa carnicería
- Carne de carnicería
- El carnicero es muy bueno
Work/Jobs
- Busco trabajo en una carnicería
- Trabajo en la carnicería
- Horario de la carnicería
- Limpiar la carnicería
News/Violence
- Fue una carnicería
- Una verdadera carnicería
- Carnicería humana
- Escena de carnicería
Amorces de conversation
"¿Sabes si la carnicería de la plaza abre los domingos por la mañana?"
"¿Cuál es la mejor carnicería de este barrio para comprar carne para un asado?"
"Ayer en la carnicería me dijeron que el precio del pollo va a subir mucho."
"¿Prefieres comprar la carne en el supermercado o en una carnicería tradicional?"
"¿Has visto la nueva carnicería gourmet que han abierto cerca del ayuntamiento?"
Sujets d'écriture
Describe tu visita a una carnicería tradicional: ¿qué ves, qué hueles y qué sonidos escuchas?
Escribe sobre las diferencias entre comprar carne en una carnicería pequeña y en un gran supermercado.
Imagina que eres un carnicero. Describe un día típico de trabajo en tu carnicería.
¿Crees que las carnicerías de barrio desaparecerán en el futuro? Explica por qué sí o por qué no.
Escribe una historia corta que empiece con la frase: 'Eran las ocho de la mañana cuando la carnicería abrió sus puertas...'
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsUna carnicería es una tienda donde se vende carne fresca de diferentes animales como vaca, cerdo o pollo. Es el lugar tradicional para comprar estos productos en España y Latinoamérica.
La carnicería vende carne cruda para cocinar (filetes, costillas). La charcutería vende productos ya procesados o curados como jamón, chorizo, salchichón y quesos.
La persona que trabaja allí se llama carnicero (hombre) o carnicera (mujer). Ellos son expertos en cortar y preparar la carne.
Sí, es una palabra femenina. Siempre se dice 'la carnicería' o 'una carnicería'. Los adjetivos también deben ser femeninos, como 'carnicería limpia'.
Sí, generalmente las carnicerías venden pollo, aunque en algunos mercados grandes existen tiendas específicas llamadas 'pollerías' solo para aves.
Es una expresión idiomática que significa causar un gran desastre, una masacre o hacer algo de forma muy violenta o descuidada.
Puedes decir 'Quisiera...' o 'Póngame...' seguido de la cantidad. Por ejemplo: 'Póngame medio kilo de ternera, por favor'.
Normalmente no. La mayoría de las carnicerías tradicionales cierran los domingos y, a veces, también los sábados por la tarde.
Mucha gente prefiere la carnicería porque la carne suele ser más fresca, puedes pedir cortes específicos y recibir consejos del carnicero.
Se escribe con 'c', 'r', 'n', 'i', 'c', 'e', 'r', 'í', 'a'. No olvides la tilde en la 'í'.
Teste-toi 180 questions
Escribe una frase usando 'la carnicería' y 'pollo'.
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¿Qué le dirías al carnicero si quieres medio kilo de ternera?
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Describe cómo es una carnicería por dentro.
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Explica la diferencia entre carnicería y supermercado.
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Usa 'carnicería' en sentido figurado.
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Escribe un pequeño diálogo en la carnicería.
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¿Por qué son importantes las carnicerías de barrio?
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Inventa un nombre para una carnicería y explica por qué lo elegiste.
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Escribe tres cosas que puedes comprar en una carnicería.
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¿Qué problemas enfrentan las carnicerías hoy en día?
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Escribe una frase sobre una carnicería que está lejos.
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Describe el olor de una carnicería.
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Escribe sobre tu carnicero de confianza.
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¿Qué harías si la carnicería no tiene lo que buscas?
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Escribe una frase con 'las carnicerías' en plural.
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Usa 'carnicería' en una frase sobre la historia de tu ciudad.
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¿Cómo ha cambiado la carnicería con la tecnología?
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Escribe un eslogan para una carnicería.
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Describe el uniforme de un carnicero.
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Relaciona la carnicería con una festividad.
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Pronuncia: La carnicería.
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Di: 'Voy a la carnicería a por carne'.
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Pregunta: '¿Dónde está la carnicería?'
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Di: 'El carnicero es muy amable'.
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Pide un kilo de ternera.
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Explica qué compraste en la carnicería ayer.
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Describe tu carnicería ideal.
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Habla sobre el precio de la carne en la carnicería.
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Di una frase usando 'carnicería' como desastre.
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Pregunta por el horario de la carnicería.
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Cuenta una anécdota en una carnicería.
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Compara dos carnicerías.
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Usa la palabra 'carnicería' en una frase formal.
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Expresa tu opinión sobre las carnicerías industriales.
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Di: 'Las carnicerías de barrio son necesarias'.
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Pronuncia correctamente: 'Carnicería-Charcutería'.
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Pide que te corten la carne de una forma especial.
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Habla sobre la importancia de la higiene en la carnicería.
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Di una frase sobre una carnicería famosa.
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Pregunta: '¿Quién es el último?'
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Escucha y escribe: 'La carnicería está cerrada'.
Escucha y escribe: 'Compro carne en la carnicería'.
Escucha y escribe: 'El carnicero limpia la carnicería'.
Escucha y escribe: 'Hay ofertas en la carnicería'.
Escucha y escribe: 'La carnicería es de mi tío'.
Escucha y escribe: 'Mañana iré a la carnicería'.
Escucha y escribe: 'Es una carnicería tradicional'.
Escucha y escribe: 'Busco una carnicería abierta'.
Escucha y escribe: 'La carnicería tiene ternera fresca'.
Escucha y escribe: 'Entré en la carnicería con prisa'.
Escucha y escribe: 'La carnicería de barrio es mejor'.
Escucha y escribe: 'No encuentro la carnicería'.
Escucha y escribe: 'El suelo de la carnicería está mojado'.
Escucha y escribe: 'Fue una carnicería horrible'.
Escucha y escribe: 'La carnicería abre a las ocho'.
/ 180 correct
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Summary
The word 'la carnicería' is essential for anyone living or traveling in a Spanish-speaking country, as it refers to the specialized butcher shops where most locals buy high-quality fresh meat. For example: 'Fui a la carnicería para comprar chuletones'.
- A carnicería is a dedicated butcher shop for fresh meat, distinct from a general supermarket or a deli that sells cured products.
- It is a feminine noun ('la carnicería') and is a vital part of neighborhood life and traditional Spanish culinary culture.
- Common verbs used with it include 'ir' (to go), 'comprar' (to buy), and 'pedir' (to ask for/order meat).
- Metaphorically, it can refer to a scene of violence or carnage, though its primary meaning is always related to food.
Establish your place
When you enter a busy carnicería, ask '¿Quién es el último?' to know who you are after. There are often no formal lines.
Accent matters
Always write the accent on the 'í'. Without it, the word is pronounced incorrectly and looks unprofessional.
Know your weights
Meat is sold by the kilo. Half a kilo is 'medio kilo' (500g) and a quarter is 'un cuarto de kilo' (250g).
Cuts of meat
Learn a few basic cuts like 'filete' (steak), 'carne picada' (ground meat), and 'chuletas' (chops) before you go.
Exemple
Necesito ir a la carnicería para comprar la carne para la cena.
Contenu associé
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a la carta
B1À la carte signifie commander des plats individuellement à partir d'un menu.
abrelatas
B1Un ouvre-boîte est un outil indispensable pour ouvrir les conserves.
aceituna
A1Une olive est le fruit de l'olivier, utilisé pour l'huile ou la consommation.
aceitunas
B1Les olives sont des petits fruits ovales utilisés pour l'huile ou consommés comme amuse-gueule.
ácido
A2Qui a une saveur piquante comme le citron. 'Ce fruit est très acide.' / 'Il a un humour acide.'
aderezar
B1Assaisonner ou préparer des aliments avec des condiments. 'Il faut aderezar la salade juste avant de servir.'
aderezo
B1Un assaisonnement pour la nourriture, comme une vinaigrette.
aditivo
B1L'additif alimentaire est essentiel pour la conservation des produits industriels.
agridulce
B1Qui a un goût à la fois aigre et doux.
agrio
A1Sour.