Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Asparagus in Spanish: Espárrago
Espárrago · noun · ehs-PAH-rrah-goh
The Spanish word for asparagus is 'espárrago' (masculine noun), typically used in the plural form 'espárragos.' Spain is one of Europe's largest producers of asparagus, and white asparagus from Navarra is particularly prized. The word also appears in the colloquial expression '¡vete a freír espárragos!' (get lost!).
Espárrago is pronounced ehs-PAH-rrah-goh. It's a proparoxytone word (esdrújula) with stress on the antepenultimate syllable 'pá'. The double 'rr' produces a trilled 'r' sound.
Los espárragos a la plancha con aceite de oliva son mi guarnición favorita.
Grilled asparagus with olive oil is my favorite side dish.
Asparagus in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for asparagus, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| espárrago | asparagus | ehs-PAH-rrah-goh | Default, widely understood |
| espárragos | asparagus | plural, most common form used |
How Native Speakers Use Espárrago
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Cooking
Voy a preparar una crema de espárragos para la cena.
I'm going to make a cream of asparagus soup for dinner.
A common way asparagus is prepared in Spanish cuisine.
Shopping
Los espárragos blancos de Navarra son los mejores de España.
The white asparagus from Navarra is the best in Spain.
White asparagus is a prized delicacy in Spanish gastronomy.
Idiomatic expression
¡Vete a freír espárragos! No quiero hablar contigo.
Get lost! I don't want to talk to you.
A colloquial Spanish expression meaning 'go away' or 'get lost', literally 'go fry asparagus'.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Espárrago
Missing accent mark
Incorrect: Me gustan los esparragos verdes.
Correct: Me gustan los espárragos verdes.
Espárrago requires an accent mark on the first 'a' because it's an esdrújula word (stressed on the antepenultimate syllable), and all such words in Spanish must carry a written accent.
Singular vs plural usage
Incorrect: Quiero un espárrago, por favor. (at a restaurant)
Correct: Quiero espárragos, por favor.
Asparagus is almost always ordered and discussed in the plural form (espárragos), since it's served as multiple stalks. Asking for 'un espárrago' sounds like you want a single stalk.
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Why word lists alone don't stick
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See Espárrago used by native speakers
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Common Questions About Asparagus in Spanish
- What does '¡vete a freír espárragos!' mean?
- This colorful idiomatic expression literally means 'go fry asparagus' but functions as a way to tell someone to go away or get lost—it's a relatively mild way to dismiss someone, similar to telling them to buzz off.
- What's the difference between green and white asparagus in Spanish?
- Green asparagus is 'espárragos verdes' (also called trigueros) grown in sunlight, while white asparagus 'espárragos blancos' is grown underground to prevent photosynthesis, resulting in a milder, more tender stalk that is considered a delicacy in Spain.
- Is espárrago masculine or feminine?
- Espárrago is a masculine noun (el espárrago, los espárragos), so any accompanying adjectives must also be masculine: 'espárragos frescos' (fresh asparagus), not 'espárragos frescas'.