arroz con pollo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal to Neutral; used in culinary, travel, and cultural contexts.
Quick answer
What does “arroz con pollo” mean?
A traditional Latin American and Spanish dish consisting of rice cooked with chicken, vegetables, and spices.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A traditional Latin American and Spanish dish consisting of rice cooked with chicken, vegetables, and spices.
A staple comfort food in many Hispanic cultures, often served at family gatherings and celebrations. It can metaphorically represent cultural heritage or simple, satisfying nourishment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in American English due to greater exposure to Latin American cuisine. In British English, it might be described as 'Spanish/Latin chicken and rice' for clarity.
Connotations
In the US, it often carries connotations of authentic ethnic cuisine. In the UK, it may be perceived as a more specific, exotic dish.
Frequency
Significantly more frequent in US English, particularly in regions with larger Hispanic communities. Rare in general UK English outside specific restaurant contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “arroz con pollo” in a Sentence
[Someone] cooks/makes/serves arroz con pollo.[Arroz con pollo] is a [adjective] dish.We had arroz con pollo for dinner.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arroz con pollo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We're going to arroz-con-pollo our way through Spain. (humorous, non-standard)
American English
- She totally arroz-con-polloed that dinner party. (slang, meaning she made a great traditional meal)
adjective
British English
- It had an arroz-con-pollo vibe—hearty and unpretentious. (figurative)
American English
- This is my go-to arroz-con-pollo recipe. (attributive noun used adjectivally)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in the restaurant/food industry: 'The new menu features arroz con pollo.'
Academic
Rare, except in cultural, anthropological, or culinary studies discussing food traditions.
Everyday
Common in conversations about food, cooking, travel, and family meals.
Technical
Used in culinary arts and food writing to describe a specific recipe or dish style.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “arroz con pollo”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “arroz con pollo”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arroz con pollo”
- Misspelling as 'aros con pollo' (missing 'z'), 'arroz con polo' (missing 'l'), or 'arroz con polla' (incorrect).
- Using incorrect article: 'an arroz con pollo' (should be 'a serving of arroz con pollo' or just 'arroz con pollo').
- Pronouncing 'pollo' with an English 'poll' sound (/pəʊl/) instead of the Spanish /pojo/ or /poɪjo/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a Spanish loanphrase used in English, primarily in culinary contexts. It is not typically inflected and is treated as a singular compound noun.
In American English, an approximation like /ˈpoʊ.joʊ/ (POH-yoh) is common. In British English, /ˈpɒl.əʊ/ (POL-oh) is sometimes heard, though the Spanish approximation is preferred for authenticity.
Yes, for general communication. However, 'arroz con pollo' specifies a particular cultural dish with specific preparation methods and ingredients, so using the original term is more precise.
No, it is not a proper noun. It is written in lower case unless it starts a sentence: 'Arroz con pollo was on the menu.'
A traditional Latin American and Spanish dish consisting of rice cooked with chicken, vegetables, and spices.
Arroz con pollo is usually informal to neutral; used in culinary, travel, and cultural contexts. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not an idiom itself, but can be used figuratively] e.g., 'Their partnership was like arroz con pollo—simple, classic, and satisfying.'”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A ROUSE (arroz) the CONgregation (con) for a POLL (pollo) about chicken and rice!'
Conceptual Metaphor
COMFORT IS HOME-COOKED FOOD (e.g., 'This arroz con pollo is like a hug from my grandmother.')
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'arroz con pollo' MOST naturally used in English?