carne: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (rare, technical/borrowed)Formal, technical (culinary/religious), or in borrowed phrases.
Quick answer
What does “carne” mean?
Flesh, particularly the muscle and fat of animals used as food.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Flesh, particularly the muscle and fat of animals used as food.
In fixed culinary phrases (e.g., 'carne asada'), in religious contexts referring to abstinence from meat, and rarely used in English outside specific borrowed terms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both dialects use it only in fixed borrowings. Slightly more recognized in the US due to Mexican/Spanish culinary influence.
Connotations
Evokes specific foreign cuisine (e.g., Mexican, Italian) or, in religious contexts ('in carne'), the physical world vs. the spiritual.
Frequency
Extremely low in both. Higher frequency in US contexts with Spanish language influence.
Grammar
How to Use “carne” in a Sentence
N (in compound noun phrases: [carne] + [prep] + [noun], e.g., 'chili con carne')Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Possible in religious studies or culinary history discussing Latin/Spanish terms.
Everyday
Only within specific culinary contexts, e.g., ordering 'carne asada' at a restaurant.
Technical
Culinary arts (menu terminology); religious vocabulary (e.g., 'in carne').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “carne”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “carne”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “carne”
- Using 'carne' as a general word for meat in English sentences (e.g., 'I bought some carne' is incorrect).
- Mispronouncing 'chili con carne' as /kɒn/ instead of /kɒn/ or /kən/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a direct borrowing from Spanish/Italian/Latin, used in English only within fixed phrases, primarily related to food or specific religious terminology. It is not a general synonym for 'meat'.
'Carne asada' (Spanish for 'grilled meat') typically refers to seasoned, grilled and sliced beef. 'Chili con carne' is a stew-like dish of chili peppers, meat (often beef), and usually beans and tomatoes.
In borrowed phrases, it is typically pronounced /ˈkɑːrneɪ/ or /ˈkɑːrni/ in American English, and /ˈkɑːneɪ/ in British English, approximating the original Spanish/Italian pronunciation.
Only if you are directly quoting a foreign term, discussing culinary arts, or writing within a specific religious or historical academic context. In all other cases, use the English word 'meat' or 'flesh'.
Flesh, particularly the muscle and fat of animals used as food.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Chili con carne”
- “Carne asada”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CARNIVAL of flavour, but for meat (CARN-E). Or, CHILI CON CARNE has the word in it.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEAT AS SUBSTANCE / THE PHYSICAL (FLESHLY) WORLD (in religious contexts).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'carne' most appropriately used in English?