Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Calamari in Spanish
Calamares · noun · kah-lah-MAH-rehs
The Spanish word for calamari is 'calamares,' referring to squid prepared as food. In its singular form, 'calamar' describes the animal itself. Fried calamari is a beloved dish across Spain and Latin America, often served as a tapa or appetizer.
Pronounce it as kah-lah-MAH-rehs, with the stress on the third syllable. The singular 'calamar' is stressed on the final syllable: kah-lah-MAR.
Pedimos calamares fritos como entrada.
We ordered fried calamari as an appetizer.
calamari in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for calamari, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| calamares | calamari | kah-lah-MAH-rehs | Default, widely understood |
| calamar | calamari | singular form |
How Native Speakers Use Calamares
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
At a restaurant
Los calamares a la romana están deliciosos aquí.
The battered calamari is delicious here.
Ordering seafood at a Spanish restaurant.
At the market
Compré calamar fresco en el mercado de pescado.
I bought fresh squid at the fish market.
Shopping for seafood ingredients.
Cooking at home
Mi abuela prepara los calamares en su tinta.
My grandmother prepares calamari in its own ink.
Describing a traditional Spanish recipe.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Calamares
Wrong plural
Incorrect: Pedí dos calamars fritos.
Correct: Pedí dos calamares fritos.
The plural of 'calamar' is 'calamares,' not 'calamars.' Spanish nouns ending in a consonant add '-es' to form the plural.
Gender confusion
Incorrect: La calamar está fresca.
Correct: El calamar está fresco.
'Calamar' is masculine, so it uses the article 'el' and the masculine adjective 'fresco.'
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Common Questions About calamari in Spanish
- Is calamari the same word in Spanish as in English?
- The English word 'calamari' actually derives from the Italian 'calamaro,' while Spanish uses 'calamar' for the singular and 'calamares' for the plural or as a dish name.
- What is the difference between calamar and pulpo?
- Calamar refers specifically to squid, which has a long tubular body and ten tentacles, whereas pulpo means octopus, a creature with eight arms and a rounded body.
- How do you order fried calamari in Spanish?
- You would say 'calamares fritos' or 'calamares a la romana,' which refers to squid rings coated in a light batter and deep-fried until golden.