Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Lobster in Spanish: Langosta, Bogavante, and Seafood Vocabulary
Langosta · noun (feminine) · lahn-GOHS-tah
Lobster in Spanish is langosta (lahn-GOHS-tah), a feminine noun used throughout the Spanish-speaking world. In Spain, there is an important distinction: langosta refers to the spiny (clawless) lobster, while bogavante is the clawed Atlantic lobster (European lobster or Maine-style). In Latin America, langosta generally covers all lobsters regardless of species. A bonus quirk: langosta also means 'locust' in non-culinary contexts, sharing the word due to a historical Latin connection.
Langosta is lahn-GOHS-tah, three syllables. The stress falls on GOHS. The g is a soft, breathy g between vowels. The final -a confirms the feminine gender.
Pedimos langosta a la parrilla con mantequilla de ajo.
We ordered grilled lobster with garlic butter.
Lobster in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for lobster, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| langosta | lobster | lahn-GOHS-tah | Default, widely understood |
| bogavante | lobster | Spain (specifically for clawed lobster) | |
| langostino | lobster | large prawn/shrimp, sometimes confused with lobster |
How Native Speakers Use Langosta
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Restaurant order
La langosta termidor es la especialidad de la casa.
The lobster thermidor is the house specialty.
Langosta termidor is a classic French-inspired dish found on upscale menus across the Spanish-speaking world.
Seafood market
Las langostas frescas llegaron esta mañana del puerto.
The fresh lobsters arrived this morning from the port.
The plural is langostas. As a feminine noun, adjectives agree accordingly: langostas frescas (fresh lobsters).
Spain-specific distinction
En España, el bogavante tiene pinzas grandes, pero la langosta no.
In Spain, the bogavante has large claws, but the langosta does not.
This distinction matters when ordering seafood in Spain. Bogavante is typically more expensive than langosta.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Langosta
Confusing langosta with langostino
Incorrect: Quiero una langostino a la plancha. (wrong gender + wrong animal)
Correct: Quiero una langosta a la plancha.
Langostino is a large prawn or shrimp, not a lobster. Additionally, langostino is masculine (un langostino), while langosta is feminine (una langosta). They are related words but refer to different creatures.
Using masculine article
Incorrect: El langosta estaba delicioso.
Correct: La langosta estaba deliciosa.
Langosta is feminine (la langosta), so both the article and any adjectives must be feminine: deliciosa, not delicioso.
Lock in Lobster 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 Langosta used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using langosta in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Pedimos langosta a la parrilla con mantequilla de ajo. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Lobster in Spanish
- How do you say lobster in Spanish?
- Lobster in Spanish is langosta (lahn-GOHS-tah). It is a feminine noun (la langosta). In Spain, bogavante is used specifically for the clawed lobster, while langosta covers the spiny lobster.
- Does langosta also mean locust?
- Langosta carries a double meaning in Spanish: it refers to lobster in culinary and marine contexts, and to locust in agricultural or plague-related contexts. Both senses trace back to the Latin word locusta, and the surrounding context always makes the intended meaning unmistakable.
- What is the difference between langosta and bogavante?
- In Spain, langosta is the spiny, clawless lobster, while bogavante is the large-clawed lobster (like Maine lobster). In most of Latin America, langosta is used for all lobsters regardless of species. If you are dining in Spain and want the clawed variety, ask for bogavante.