Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Cod in Spanish: Bacalao
Bacalao · noun (masculine) · bah-kah-LAH-oh
Cod in Spanish is bacalao (el bacalao). It can refer to fresh cod or salt cod (bacalao salado/en salazón), which has been a staple of Spanish cooking for centuries. Salt cod dishes are especially important during Lent and Christmas in Spanish culture.
bah-kah-LAH-oh
El bacalao al pil pil es un plato típico del País Vasco.
Cod in pil pil sauce is a typical Basque Country dish.
Cod in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for cod, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| bacalao | cod | bah-kah-LAH-oh | Default, widely understood |
| abadejo | cod | pollack, a cod-related fish |
How Native Speakers Use Bacalao
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Restaurant order
Para mí, el bacalao a la vizcaína con pimientos.
For me, the Biscayan-style cod with peppers.
Bacalao a la vizcaína is a classic Spanish preparation from the Basque region.
Grocery shopping
Hay que remojar el bacalao salado durante veinticuatro horas antes de cocinarlo.
You need to soak the salt cod for twenty-four hours before cooking it.
Salt cod (bacalao salado) must be desalted by soaking before preparation.
Cultural tradition
En Semana Santa muchas familias preparan bacalao en lugar de carne.
During Holy Week many families prepare cod instead of meat.
Bacalao is the traditional Lenten protein in Catholic Spanish culture.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Bacalao
Confusing bacalao with other fish
Incorrect: El bacalao es un pescado tropical.
Correct: El bacalao es un pescado de aguas frías del Atlántico Norte.
Cod is a cold-water Atlantic fish, not tropical. It is associated with Northern European and Iberian cuisine.
Pronunciation error
Incorrect: bah-KAH-loh (three syllables)
Correct: bah-kah-LAH-oh (four syllables)
Bacalao has four syllables: ba-ca-la-o. The final o is a separate syllable, not merged with the a.
Lock in Cod Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Bacalao used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using bacalao in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear El bacalao al pil pil es un plato típico del País Vasco. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Cod in Spanish
- How do you say cod in Spanish?
- Cod is bacalao (el bacalao). It refers to both fresh cod and the more traditional salt-preserved version used in Spanish cuisine.
- What is bacalao salado?
- Bacalao salado is salt cod — cod preserved by heavy salting and drying. It must be soaked in water for 24-48 hours before cooking to remove the salt.
- Is bacalao popular in Spanish cuisine?
- Absolutely, this applies strongly — bacalao is one of the most important fish in Spanish cooking, with famous preparations like bacalao al pil pil, a la vizcaína, and bacalao con tomate.