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A2 noun #4,000 most common 11 min read

caldo

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips caldo in 30 Seconds

Explanation caldo in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'caldo' as a basic food word. It is a masculine noun ('el caldo'). You will mostly use it to talk about simple meals. Think of it as 'chicken soup' or 'vegetable soup' liquid. At this stage, just focus on saying 'Me gusta el caldo' (I like broth) or 'Quiero un caldo' (I want a broth). It is a very useful word when you are sick or when it is cold outside. You can imagine a warm bowl of liquid. Don't worry about the complex meanings yet; just remember it's a hot liquid made from food like chicken or vegetables. It's an essential word for surviving a cold winter in a Spanish-speaking country. You might see it on a menu under 'Primeros Platos' (First Courses). It's simpler than 'sopa' because it usually doesn't have many pieces in it. Just remember: El caldo is good for your health! Practice saying 'un caldo de pollo, por favor' when you go to a restaurant. This will help you get used to the masculine gender and the preposition 'de' which connects the broth to its main ingredient.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'caldo' in more specific contexts, such as following recipes or ordering more precisely in a restaurant. You should know the different types: 'caldo de pescado' (fish broth), 'caldo de carne' (meat broth), and 'caldo de verduras' (vegetable broth). You will use verbs like 'preparar', 'cocinar', and 'beber'. You also learn that 'caldo' is a key ingredient for other dishes like 'paella' or 'arroz'. At this level, you should be able to describe how to make a basic broth using simple sentences: 'Primero, pongo agua en una olla. Después, añado pollo y sal. Hervir por una hora.' You might also encounter the word in supermarkets, where you'll see 'pastillas de caldo' (bouillon cubes). Understanding that 'caldo' is the base for many 'sopas' is a key distinction at this level. You are moving beyond just 'liking' the broth to understanding its role in the kitchen as a fundamental building block of Spanish cooking. You should also be comfortable using adjectives like 'caliente' (hot), 'sabroso' (tasty), or 'salado' (salty) to describe your caldo.

By B1, you should be comfortable using 'caldo' in a variety of everyday situations and starting to understand some common expressions. You can discuss the nutritional benefits of broth, perhaps in a conversation about health or traditional remedies. You'll understand that 'caldo' can be used metaphorically in some contexts, though you might not use the most complex idioms yet. You should know the difference between 'caldo', 'sopa', and 'consomé'. A B1 student can explain a recipe in detail: 'Para que el arroz quede sabroso, es fundamental usar un caldo casero en lugar de uno de brik.' You also start to see 'caldo' in more formal writing, such as health articles or food blogs. You might hear people use the diminutive 'caldito' to show affection or to describe a light, comforting snack. Your grammar should be solid: using the correct articles and matching adjectives perfectly ('muchos caldos diferentes'). You are also becoming aware of regional dishes like 'Caldo Gallego' and how they represent cultural identity in different parts of Spain and Latin America.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'caldo' in more abstract and idiomatic ways. This is where you learn the phrase 'caldo de cultivo' to describe a situation that promotes the development of something, usually something negative like 'un caldo de cultivo para el descontento social'. You should also be aware of the colloquial expression 'poner a alguien a caldo', which means to criticize someone severely. Your vocabulary expands to include more technical culinary terms like 'desgrasar el caldo' (to skim the fat off the broth) or 'reducir el caldo' (to reduce the broth by boiling). You can participate in deeper discussions about gastronomy and the importance of 'fondos' and 'caldos' in professional cooking. You are also likely to encounter 'caldo' used as a synonym for wine in more elevated or poetic contexts, such as in a newspaper's culture section or a wine tasting guide. You can distinguish between the nuances of 'caldo' in different Spanish-speaking countries, noting how a 'caldo' in Mexico might be a full meal while in Spain it's often just a starter liquid.

As a C1 learner, you use 'caldo' with the precision of a native speaker. You understand the stylistic nuances of using 'caldo' instead of 'vino' to sound more sophisticated or to provide lexical variety in a text. You can use 'caldo de cultivo' effortlessly in academic or professional discussions to describe complex social, political, or biological environments. You are familiar with literary uses of the word and can appreciate how authors might use the imagery of a 'caldo' to evoke warmth, tradition, or even decay. You understand the historical development of the word from the Latin 'calidus' and how its meaning has branched out into different domains. Your use of idioms like 'poner a caldo' is natural and correctly timed in conversation. You can also discuss the chemistry of a 'caldo' in a scientific context, such as 'caldo de cultivo' in microbiology. At this level, you can also identify and use very specific regional variations and archaic uses found in classical Spanish literature, understanding how the concept of 'caldo' has been central to the Mediterranean diet for centuries.

At the C2 level, 'caldo' is a tool you manipulate with absolute mastery. You can engage in highly technical oenological debates, using 'caldo' to refer to the specific characteristics of different vintages and varieties. You understand the most obscure metaphorical uses and can play with the word in creative writing or high-level oratory. You are aware of how 'caldo' appears in proverbs and ancient culinary treatises. You can analyze the socio-economic implications of 'caldo de cultivo' in high-level sociological papers. For you, the word is not just about food or wine; it is a versatile concept that can represent essence, environment, or a medium for change. You can switch between the most vulgar slang ('poner a caldo') and the most refined professional jargon without hesitation. You might even explore the etymological links between 'caldo', 'caldero', and 'caldera', understanding the deep linguistic roots of heat and containment in the Spanish language. Your understanding is holistic, encompassing culinary history, linguistic evolution, and contemporary cultural application across the entire Spanish-speaking world.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

caldo in 30 Seconds

Caldo is a masculine noun meaning broth or stock, made by simmering meat or vegetables.
It is a key ingredient in Spanish dishes like paella and various soups.
Metaphorically, it means a breeding ground (caldo de cultivo) or is used for wine.
Commonly used in idioms like 'poner a caldo' (to criticize someone harshly).

In the vast and flavorful world of Spanish gastronomy, the word caldo serves as the foundational element of countless traditional dishes. At its most basic level, caldo translates to 'broth' or 'stock' in English. It is the liquid that results from simmering meat, fish, vegetables, or bones in water, allowing the water to absorb the nutrients, flavors, and aromas of the ingredients. Unlike a sopa (soup), which usually implies a finished dish containing solid ingredients like noodles, rice, or chopped vegetables, a caldo is often the clear, strained liquid used as a base, though in many Latin American households, the terms are used interchangeably when referring to a simple, comforting bowl of liquid nourishment.

Culinary Identity: In Spain, a 'caldo' is frequently seen as a restorative tonic. It is what a grandmother prepares when you have a cold or what is served as a light starter before a heavy meal. In Mexico and Central America, 'Caldo de Pollo' is a staple meal that includes large chunks of chicken and vegetables, blurring the line between broth and hearty soup.

Para hacer una buena paella, primero necesitas preparar un caldo de pescado muy sabroso.

Beyond the kitchen, caldo takes on more sophisticated meanings. In the world of oenology (the study of wine), the term is used formally to refer to wines, especially when discussing their production or quality. A wine critic might refer to a prestigious vineyard's output as 'excelentes caldos'. This usage elevates the word from the humble kitchen stove to the refined atmosphere of a wine cellar. Furthermore, the word appears in the phrase caldo de cultivo, which literally means 'culture medium' in a biological sense but is used metaphorically to describe a situation that is ripe for something (usually something negative) to develop, much like a petri dish allows bacteria to grow.

Regional Variation: In Galicia, the 'Caldo Gallego' is a world-famous dish made with turnip greens, potatoes, and white beans. Here, the word transcends 'broth' and becomes the name of the specific regional identity.

El médico me recomendó tomar caldo de verduras para recuperar los electrolitos.

The versatility of caldo makes it an essential word for any learner. Whether you are discussing chemistry, complaining about a fever, or praising a fine Ribera del Duero wine, caldo provides the linguistic 'base' you need. Its usage spans from the most domestic settings to the most professional, making it a high-frequency noun that bridges the gap between basic survival and cultural sophistication. Understanding its nuances—how it differs from sopa and how it transforms in the context of wine—is a key step in moving from A2 to B1 proficiency.

La falta de educación es el caldo de cultivo para la intolerancia.

Metaphorical Use: 'Poner a alguien a caldo' is a colloquial Spanish expression meaning to scold or criticize someone severely. It’s as if you are putting them in boiling broth!

Mi jefe me puso a caldo por llegar tarde a la reunión.

Este vino es un caldo de gran reserva con notas de roble.

Using caldo correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a masculine noun and its common verbal pairings. Most frequently, you will find it following verbs of preparation like hacer (to make), preparar (to prepare), cocinar (to cook), or hervir (to boil). Because it is a liquid, it is often used with partitive expressions or quantities, though in Spanish, you can simply say 'un caldo' to mean 'a bowl of broth' or 'a type of broth'.

Common Verbs: 'Tomar' (to have/drink) is more common than 'comer' (to eat) when the caldo is mostly liquid. 'Añadir' (to add) is used when the broth is an ingredient in a larger recipe like risotto or paella.

¿Quieres que te prepare un caldo caliente para tu resfriado?

When describing the type of broth, the preposition de is your best friend. You specify the main ingredient immediately after: caldo de pollo (chicken broth), caldo de res (beef broth), caldo de pescado (fish stock), or caldo de verduras (vegetable broth). Adjectives usually follow the noun to describe its state: caldo concentrado (concentrated broth), caldo desgrasado (fat-free broth), or caldo casero (homemade broth). Note that 'casero' is a high-value word in Spain, signifying quality and tradition.

Añade dos tazas de caldo de carne a la salsa para que tenga más sabor.

Quantity and Measurement: In recipes, you will see 'pastilla de caldo' (bouillon cube) or 'brick de caldo' (carton of broth). These are essential for shopping at a Spanish supermarket.

In more advanced contexts, you might use 'caldo' to describe the environment. When using the phrase caldo de cultivo, it acts as a compound noun. For example, 'La crisis económica fue el caldo de cultivo para la revolución'. Here, the word maintains its masculine gender and singular form to represent a singular 'breeding ground'. When referring to wines, the plural caldos is very common: 'Los caldos de esta región son conocidos mundialmente'.

No me gusta el caldo que venden en el supermercado; prefiero el de mi abuela.

Si el caldo está muy salado, puedes añadirle un poco de agua.

Idiomatic Sentence Structures: Using 'poner a caldo' requires an object: 'La prensa puso a caldo al ministro' (The press tore the minister to shreds).

Este restaurante sirve un caldo de camarón espectacular.

The word caldo is ubiquitous in Spanish-speaking daily life, echoing through kitchens, markets, and media. To hear it in its most natural habitat, one only needs to step into a Spanish 'mercado' or 'supermercado'. You will hear shoppers asking for 'huesos para el caldo' (bones for the broth) or 'apio para el caldo' (celery for the broth). In these settings, caldo represents the starting point of the family meal, a symbol of home-cooked health and thriftiness.

At the Restaurant: Waiters often suggest a 'caldo del día' (broth of the day) as an appetizer, especially during the winter months in Madrid or the Andean regions of South America. It is often served in a small cup or 'taza' to warm the stomach before the main course.

Camarero, ¿qué lleva el caldo que sirven de cortesía?

In television and radio, specifically in news and political commentary, you will hear the metaphorical caldo de cultivo. Analysts use it to describe social unrest, the rise of new trends, or the conditions leading to a crisis. For example, 'La desigualdad es el caldo de cultivo de la delincuencia'. This usage is much more formal and abstract than the culinary one, showing the word's range. Similarly, on lifestyle or luxury programs, experts discussing wine will frequently use caldos to avoid repeating the word 'vinos', demonstrating a high level of linguistic variety.

El documental analiza los grandes caldos de la Rioja Alavesa.

In the Household: Mothers and grandmothers are the primary users of this word. 'Tómate el caldo, que se enfría' (Drink your broth, it's getting cold) is a phrase heard by generations of Spanish-speaking children.

Socially, if you are out with friends and someone is being gossiped about or criticized harshly, you might hear 'Le están poniendo a caldo' (They are tearing him/her apart). This is a very common colloquialism in Spain. It reflects the vivid, often food-based metaphors that characterize Spanish slang. Whether you are in a high-end winery in Ribera del Duero or a noisy tapas bar in Seville, caldo is a word that will consistently appear in the soundtrack of your Spanish experience.

En invierno, nada me apetece más que un caldo bien caliente al llegar a casa.

Las redes sociales se han convertido en un caldo de cultivo para las noticias falsas.

For English speakers, the most frequent mistake is confusing caldo with sopa. While in English 'soup' can be thin or thick, in Spanish, caldo is strictly the liquid part. If you order a 'caldo' expecting a hearty stew with lots of solids, you might be disappointed to receive a clear liquid in a cup. Conversely, calling a complex, thick stew a 'caldo' might sound overly simplistic to a native speaker, unless it's a specific regional dish like 'Caldo Gallego'.

Caldo vs. Zumo: Sometimes learners confuse the liquid from meat (caldo) with the liquid from fruit (zumo/jugo). You would never use 'caldo' for orange juice, even though both are 'liquids from food'.

Incorrecto: Me gusta el caldo de naranja. (Correcto: zumo/jugo de naranja).

Another mistake involves the gender of the noun. Because many food items in Spanish end in '-a' (comida, cena, sopa), beginners often default to 'la caldo'. It is essential to memorize caldo as masculine: el caldo. This affects every adjective and article associated with it. Saying 'una caldo sabrosa' is a clear marker of a beginner level; the correct form is 'un caldo sabroso'.

Incorrecto: La caldo está muy buena. (Correcto: El caldo está muy bueno).

Misusing 'Poner a caldo': Learners often try to use this idiom literally. If you say 'Puse el pollo a caldo', a Spaniard will think you are criticizing the chicken, not cooking it. For cooking, use 'hacer caldo con el pollo'.

Finally, be careful with the word 'Consomé'. While it is a type of caldo, it is a specific, clarified version. Using 'caldo' for a high-end consommé isn't 'wrong', but it lacks precision. In a professional culinary setting, knowing the difference between fondo (stock used for cooking) and caldo (broth that can be served alone) is vital, though in everyday speech, caldo covers both bases.

No confundas el caldo con el puré; el caldo es líquido y el puré es espeso.

Incorrecto: Quiero un caldo de manzana. (Correcto: sidra o zumo).

To truly master the vocabulary surrounding caldo, you must understand its neighbors in the Spanish kitchen. The most common alternative is sopa. While caldo is the liquid, sopa is the dish. If you add noodles to a caldo, it becomes a sopa de fideos. Another close relative is consomé, which is a caldo that has been clarified (usually with egg whites) to make it perfectly transparent and intense in flavor.

Caldo vs. Consomé: A 'caldo' can be cloudy and rustic. A 'consomé' is clear, elegant, and often served at weddings or formal dinners.
Caldo vs. Fondo: In professional cooking, 'fondo' (literally 'bottom' or 'base') is the word for stock. You make a 'fondo blanco' (white stock) or 'fondo oscuro' (brown stock) to use in sauces, whereas 'caldo' is what you serve to a diner.

El chef preparó un fondo de ternera para la salsa española.

In Latin America, you will often encounter the word sancoche or asopado. These are much thicker than a caldo and are full of tubers like yuca and plantains. In Spain, potaje is another term you should know; it refers to a thick legume-based soup (like chickpeas or lentils). While caldo is light, potaje is a heavy, main-course meal. If you are looking for something very light, almost like water with a hint of flavor, you might hear caldillo, the diminutive form, often used for thin sauces or light broths.

Este potaje de vigilia lleva garbanzos, espinacas y bacalao.

Caldo vs. Crema: A 'crema' (like crema de calabacín) is blended and smooth. A 'caldo' is never blended; it is either strained or contains whole pieces.

Finally, in the context of wine, alternatives to caldo include vino, licor, or bebida espirituosa. Using caldo for wine is a stylistic choice that signals a higher register of Spanish. In a casual bar, just say vino. In a written review of a 1994 Rioja, caldo is perfectly appropriate and adds a touch of elegance to your prose.

La sopa de cebolla francesa tiene una base de caldo de carne muy potente.

El consomé se sirve tradicionalmente en una taza con dos asas.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Se recomienda el consumo de caldos desgrasados."

Neutral

"¿Quieres un poco de caldo de pollo?"

Informal

"¡Este caldo está de muerte!"

Child friendly

"Tómate el caldito para ponerte fuerte."

Slang

"Le pusieron a caldo en el Twitter."

Fun Fact

The word 'caldo' is a direct cousin of the English word 'scald' and the Spanish word 'caliente'. They all share the same 'hot' root!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈkal.do/

US /ˈkɑl.doʊ/

The stress is on the first syllable: CAL-do.

Rhymes With

saldo baldo respaldo aguinaldo rebaldo heraldo falso (near rhyme) alto (near rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'd' too hard like an English 'd'. In Spanish, it's dental.
Making the 'o' sound like 'oh' in 'go'. Keep it a pure 'o' sound.
Adding a 'u' sound at the end (cal-dou).
Pronouncing the 'l' as a 'dark l' (velarized). Keep the tongue at the front.
Stress on the second syllable (cal-DO).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in menus and recipes.

Writing 3/5

Remembering the masculine gender is the main hurdle.

Speaking 2/5

Simple pronunciation, high utility.

Listening 2/5

Distinct sound, usually clear in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

agua pollo comer caliente cocina

Learn Next

sopa consomé hervir ingrediente receta

Advanced

oenología fermentación clarificar reducción sustancia

Grammar to Know

Masculine Noun Agreement

El caldo sabroso (not 'la caldo' or 'sabrosa').

Preposition 'de' for Origin/Type

Caldo de pescado.

Use of 'un poco de' with Uncountables

Dame un poco de caldo.

Adjective placement

Caldo caliente (adjective usually follows).

Subjunctive after verbs of emotion/request

Quiero que hagas caldo.

Examples by Level

El caldo está muy caliente.

The broth is very hot.

Uses 'el' because caldo is masculine.

Me gusta el caldo de pollo.

I like chicken broth.

The preposition 'de' indicates the flavor.

Mamá hace un caldo rico.

Mom makes a tasty broth.

Adjective 'rico' follows the noun.

Quiero caldo, por favor.

I want broth, please.

Direct object without an article.

El caldo no tiene sal.

The broth has no salt.

Simple negation with 'no'.

Hoy como caldo de verduras.

Today I am eating vegetable broth.

Present tense of 'comer'.

Es un caldo muy bueno.

It is a very good broth.

Adverb 'muy' modifies the adjective 'bueno'.

Tengo un poco de caldo.

I have a little bit of broth.

Partitive expression 'un poco de'.

Añade el caldo a la paella poco a poco.

Add the broth to the paella little by little.

Imperative 'añade' (tú form).

Necesito dos pastillas de caldo de carne.

I need two beef bouillon cubes.

Plural noun 'pastillas'.

Este caldo casero es mejor que el de bote.

This homemade broth is better than the bottled one.

Comparative 'mejor que'.

El médico dice que bebas mucho caldo.

The doctor says you should drink a lot of broth.

Subjunctive 'bebas' after 'dice que'.

No tires el caldo de la cocción.

Don't throw away the cooking broth.

Negative imperative 'no tires'.

El caldo de pescado es esencial para el arroz a banda.

Fish stock is essential for 'arroz a banda'.

Adjective 'esencial' describing the noun phrase.

Sirvieron un caldo de cortesía al llegar.

They served a complimentary broth upon arrival.

Past tense 'sirvieron'.

Prefiero el caldo sin fideos.

I prefer the broth without noodles.

Preposition 'sin' for exclusion.

Si te sientes mal, un caldito de gallina te ayudará.

If you feel unwell, a little chicken broth will help you.

Use of diminutive 'caldito' for comfort/affection.

Para esta receta, el caldo debe estar a temperatura ambiente.

For this recipe, the broth must be at room temperature.

Modal verb 'debe' + infinitive.

He preparado un caldo concentrado para congelar.

I have prepared a concentrated broth to freeze.

Present perfect 'he preparado'.

El secreto de mi abuela es dejar el caldo al fuego muchas horas.

My grandmother's secret is to leave the broth on the fire for many hours.

Infinitive phrase as a noun.

Asegúrate de que el caldo no tenga demasiada grasa.

Make sure the broth doesn't have too much fat.

Subjunctive 'tenga' after 'asegúrate de que'.

El caldo de cultivo para la huelga fue el recorte salarial.

The breeding ground for the strike was the wage cut.

Metaphorical use of 'caldo de cultivo'.

Siempre guardo el caldo de las verduras para hacer sopa después.

I always save the vegetable broth to make soup later.

Adverb 'siempre' indicating frequency.

En esta región, el caldo gallego es el plato más típico.

In this region, 'caldo gallego' is the most typical dish.

Superlative 'más típico'.

La prensa puso a caldo al entrenador tras la derrota.

The press tore the coach to pieces after the defeat.

Idiomatic expression 'poner a caldo'.

Los expertos alaban los nuevos caldos de la bodega.

Experts praise the new wines from the winery.

Technical use of 'caldos' for wines.

La falta de diálogo es el caldo de cultivo ideal para el conflicto.

The lack of dialogue is the ideal breeding ground for conflict.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

Es necesario clarificar el caldo para obtener un consomé perfecto.

It is necessary to clarify the broth to obtain a perfect consommé.

Impersonal 'es necesario' + infinitive.

El caldo de huesos ha ganado popularidad por sus beneficios para la salud.

Bone broth has gained popularity for its health benefits.

Compound noun phrase 'caldo de huesos'.

Me pusieron a caldo por un error que ni siquiera cometí yo.

They chewed me out for a mistake I didn't even make.

Passive-like construction with 'me pusieron'.

El aroma de estos caldos de Jerez es inconfundible.

The aroma of these Sherry wines is unmistakable.

Demonstrative 'estos' + 'caldos'.

Redujeron el caldo hasta que quedó una salsa espesa y brillante.

They reduced the broth until it became a thick, glossy sauce.

Past tense 'redujeron' (reduction technique).

La precariedad laboral constituye un peligroso caldo de cultivo para el extremismo.

Job insecurity constitutes a dangerous breeding ground for extremism.

Formal verb 'constituye' with abstract 'caldo de cultivo'.

La crítica literaria puso a caldo su última novela, calificándola de mediocre.

Literary critics savaged his latest novel, calling it mediocre.

Idiom 'poner a caldo' in a professional context.

Degustamos unos caldos excepcionales durante nuestra estancia en La Rioja.

We tasted some exceptional wines during our stay in La Rioja.

Formal verb 'degustamos'.

El caldo primigenio es la teoría sobre el origen de la vida en la Tierra.

The primordial soup is the theory about the origin of life on Earth.

Scientific term 'caldo primigenio'.

No escatimes en la calidad del caldo si quieres un resultado profesional.

Do not skimp on the quality of the broth if you want a professional result.

Negative imperative 'no escatimes'.

Su discurso fue el caldo de cultivo que desató las protestas masivas.

His speech was the breeding ground that unleashed the mass protests.

Relative clause 'que desató'.

Tras la vendimia, los caldos reposan en barricas de roble francés.

After the harvest, the wines rest in French oak barrels.

Poetic/technical 'reposan'.

La sopa se sirve sobre una base de caldo de ave muy clarificado.

The soup is served over a base of very clarified poultry broth.

Participle 'clarificado' acting as an adjective.

La amalgama de descontento y desinformación generó el caldo de cultivo perfecto para la insurrección.

The amalgam of discontent and misinformation created the perfect breeding ground for insurrection.

Sophisticated vocabulary: 'amalgama', 'insurrección'.

En la cata vertical, pudimos apreciar la evolución de los caldos a lo largo de la década.

In the vertical tasting, we were able to appreciate the evolution of the wines over the decade.

Specific oenological term 'cata vertical'.

El autor fue puesto a caldo por sus contemporáneos debido a su estilo rupturista.

The author was torn apart by his contemporaries due to his ground-breaking style.

Passive voice 'fue puesto a caldo'.

El caldo de cultivo bacteriano debe mantenerse a una temperatura constante de 37 grados.

The bacterial culture medium must be kept at a constant temperature of 37 degrees.

Technical scientific usage.

Esos caldos, preñados de matices, hablaban de la tierra y del sol de Andalucía.

Those wines, pregnant with nuances, spoke of the land and the sun of Andalusia.

Highly literary/poetic style.

La desidia institucional sirvió de caldo de cultivo para la corrupción sistémica.

Institutional apathy served as a breeding ground for systemic corruption.

Abstract political analysis.

No es sino un caldo rancio lo que ofrecen en esa taberna de mala muerte.

It is nothing but a rancid broth that they offer in that godforsaken tavern.

Archaic/literary 'no es sino'.

La sedimentación en los caldos añejos es un proceso natural que no merma su calidad.

Sedimentation in aged wines is a natural process that does not diminish their quality.

Technical term 'merma' (diminish).

Common Collocations

caldo de pollo

caldo de cultivo

caldo casero

pastilla de caldo

caldo de pescado

caldo de carne

caldo concentrado

caldo de verduras

poner a caldo

caldos generosos

Common Phrases

Un caldo, por favor

— A standard way to order a bowl of broth in a bar.

Hace frío, ponme un caldo, por favor.

Caldo de gallina

— Specifically chicken/hen broth, often considered more flavorful than 'pollo'.

El caldo de gallina es el mejor remedio.

Echar caldo

— To add broth to a cooking pot.

Ahora es el momento de echar el caldo al arroz.

Mucho caldo y poca tajada

— A phrase describing something that has a lot of fluff but little substance.

Ese discurso fue mucho caldo y poca tajada.

Caldo limpio

— Strained broth with no bits of food in it.

A los niños les gusta el caldo limpio.

Caldo de huesos

— Broth made primarily from bones, popular in health circles.

El caldo de huesos tiene mucho colágeno.

Tomar el caldo

— The act of eating/drinking the broth.

Siéntate a tomar el caldo antes de que se enfríe.

Caldo de la casa

— The restaurant's own special broth recipe.

Prueba el caldo de la casa, es excelente.

Hacer un caldo

— The process of cooking the broth.

Voy a hacer un caldo con las sobras del pavo.

Caldo de Navidad

— A traditional, very rich broth served during Christmas in Spain.

El caldo de Navidad lleva de todo.

Often Confused With

caldo vs sopa

Sopa has solids; caldo is the liquid.

caldo vs zumo

Zumo is fruit juice; caldo is savory broth.

caldo vs salsa

Salsa is thick and for topping; caldo is thin and for sipping or as a base.

Idioms & Expressions

"Poner a alguien a caldo"

— To criticize someone very harshly or scold them.

Mi madre me puso a caldo por suspender el examen.

informal

"Caldo de cultivo"

— A situation or environment that encourages the growth of something (usually negative).

El desempleo es el caldo de cultivo del populismo.

formal

"Ser harina de otro costal"

— Related to food idioms: to be a different kettle of fish (often used in contexts where 'caldo' might be discussed).

Eso es harina de otro costal.

neutral

"Echar más leña al fuego"

— Related context: to make a situation worse (simmering like a caldo).

No eches más leña al fuego.

neutral

"A falta de pan, buenas son tortas"

— Related to kitchen wisdom: making do with what you have (like making caldo from scraps).

No hay carne, pero con este caldo nos arreglamos.

informal

"Estar en su caldo"

— To be in one's element (similar to 'en su salsa').

Él en la cocina está en su caldo.

colloquial

"Caldo de siete carnes"

— A metaphor for something very complex or a very rich person/thing (Latin American origin).

Ese es un caldo de siete carnes.

informal

"Sacar el caldo"

— To get the essence or the best out of something.

Hay que sacarle el caldo a este libro.

informal

"Caldo de zorra"

— An old expression for something very thin or of poor quality.

Esto no es sopa, es caldo de zorra.

archaic

"Hacerle el caldo gordo a alguien"

— To play into someone's hands or favor them unintentionally.

Con tus quejas le estás haciendo el caldo gordo al jefe.

informal

Easily Confused

caldo vs caldo

Sounds like 'cold' in English.

Caldo actually means broth (usually hot), while 'frío' means cold.

El caldo está caliente, no frío.

caldo vs caldo

Sounds like 'caldo' in Portuguese.

In Portuguese, 'caldo verde' is a specific soup; in Spanish, it's more generic.

El caldo verde es portugués.

caldo vs caldo

Confusion with 'caldero'.

Caldo is the liquid; caldero is the pot you cook it in.

Pon el caldo en el caldero.

caldo vs caldo

Confusion with 'caldo de cultivo'.

Learners might think it's about farming crops.

No es para plantas, es para bacterias o ideas.

caldo vs caldo

Confusion with 'consomé'.

Consomé is always clear and filtered; caldo can be rustic.

Este caldo está turbio, no es un consomé.

Sentence Patterns

Yo quiero [tipo de] caldo.

Yo quiero caldo de pollo.

Hay que [verbo] el caldo.

Hay que hervir el caldo.

Si [condición], toma caldo.

Si tienes frío, toma caldo.

[Sujeto] puso a caldo a [objeto].

El jefe puso a caldo a Juan.

[Situación] es el caldo de cultivo de [consecuencia].

La crisis es el caldo de cultivo del odio.

Prefiero el caldo [adjetivo].

Prefiero el caldo caliente.

Este caldo tiene [sustancia/sabor].

Este caldo tiene mucho sabor.

Los caldos de [lugar] destacan por [característica].

Los caldos de Jerez destacan por su aroma.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily life and culinary contexts.

Common Mistakes

La caldo es buena. → El caldo es bueno.
Caldo is a masculine noun, so it requires masculine articles and adjectives.
Quiero un caldo de naranja. → Quiero un zumo de naranja.
Caldo is for savory broths, zumo is for fruit juice.
Puse el pollo a caldo. → Hice caldo de pollo.
'Poner a caldo' is an idiom for criticizing, not a cooking instruction.
El caldo tiene muchos fideos. → La sopa tiene muchos fideos.
Once you add many solids like fideos, it is usually called a 'sopa'.
Este caldo de cultivo es para las plantas. → Este abono es para las plantas.
'Caldo de cultivo' is for bacteria or metaphors, not gardening.

Tips

Gender Check

Always pair 'caldo' with masculine articles like 'un' or 'el'. Avoid the common mistake of saying 'la caldo'.

The 'De' Rule

Use 'de' to specify the ingredient: caldo DE pollo, caldo DE pescado, caldo DE verduras.

The Cure-All

In Spain, if you say you are sick, someone will inevitably suggest a 'caldo de pollo'. It's the ultimate comfort food.

Criticism Tip

If you hear 'le pusieron a caldo', don't think about soup; think about someone getting a serious verbal scolding.

The Base

Remember that a good paella starts with a good caldo. It's the most important secret of Spanish chefs.

Supermarket Search

Look for 'caldo en brik' if you want ready-to-use broth in a carton, similar to milk packaging.

Soft 'D'

The 'd' in caldo is very soft. Touch your tongue to your teeth, don't make an explosive sound like in 'Dog'.

Wine Reviews

If you write a blog about wine, use 'caldos' to vary your language and sound like an expert.

Social Context

Use 'caldo de cultivo' when discussing social issues in your B2/C1 exams to impress the examiners.

Regional Dishes

Be aware that 'Caldo Gallego' is a full meal, not just a broth. Context matters!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'CALDRON' (caldera) filled with hot 'CALDO'. Both start with CAL- and involve cooking liquid.

Visual Association

Imagine a steaming bowl of broth with a 'CALendar' next to it, reminding you that caldo is perfect for cold winter days.

Word Web

pollo carne verduras caliente sopa cocina olla hervir

Challenge

Try to name five different things you can put in a caldo using only Spanish words.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'caldus', a syncopated form of 'calidus', meaning 'hot' or 'warm'.

Original meaning: Originally referred to anything hot, but specialized in Spanish to refer to hot liquids made from food.

Romance (Indo-European).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'poner a caldo' is quite aggressive in tone.

English speakers often say 'soup' for everything, but Spanish speakers are very specific about 'caldo' being the liquid part.

Caldo Gallego - A famous regional dish from Galicia. Caldo de Siete Mares - A famous seafood broth from Mexico. The phrase 'Caldo de Cultivo' used in political speeches.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

En el restaurante

Sopa de primero
Caldo de la casa
¿Es casero el caldo?
Sin fideos

En la cocina

Hervir a fuego lento
Añadir sal al caldo
Colar el caldo
Guardar en la nevera

Estando enfermo

Caldo para el resfriado
Poca sal
Beber mucho líquido
Caldito caliente

Hablando de vino

Caldos de la tierra
Cata de caldos
Bodega de prestigio
Caldos añejos

En las noticias

Caldo de cultivo
Situación crítica
Factores sociales
Tensión política

Conversation Starters

"¿Cuál es tu tipo de caldo favorito cuando hace mucho frío?"

"¿Sabes cómo preparar un caldo de pollo casero?"

"¿Has probado alguna vez el caldo gallego en España?"

"¿Crees que el caldo de huesos es realmente tan saludable como dicen?"

"¿En tu país se usa el caldo como medicina para la gripe?"

Journal Prompts

Describe la receta de caldo que hacía tu abuela o tu madre.

Escribe sobre una situación que creas que es un 'caldo de cultivo' para un cambio positivo.

Imagina que eres un crítico de vinos y describe un 'caldo' excepcional.

¿Prefieres el caldo solo o con muchos ingredientes como en una sopa?

Relata una vez que alguien te 'puso a caldo' y cómo te sentiste.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

El caldo es el líquido puro resultante de la cocción, mientras que la sopa suele incluir ingredientes sólidos como fideos, pan o verduras picadas.

Es siempre masculino: 'el caldo'. Aunque termine en 'o', es una regla fija que debes recordar para la concordancia.

Se dice 'caldo de pollo'. También puedes decir 'caldo de gallina' si buscas un sabor más intenso.

Es una expresión coloquial que significa criticar a alguien duramente o regañarlo con severidad.

Sí, en contextos formales o especializados, 'caldo' es un sinónimo elegante para referirse al vino.

Es un cubito de caldo concentrado y deshidratado, conocido en inglés como 'bouillon cube'.

Se pueden usar ambos verbos, pero 'tomar' es el más común. Si está en una taza, se puede decir 'beber'.

Literalmente es el medio donde crecen microorganismos, pero metafóricamente es la situación ideal para que algo se desarrolle.

Puedes pedir 'un caldo limpio' o 'solo el caldo, por favor'.

Sí, tradicionalmente se considera muy nutritivo y se usa para hidratar y recuperar fuerzas durante enfermedades.