spanish paprika: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Culinary / Everyday
Quick answer
What does “spanish paprika” mean?
A ground spice made from dried, smoked red peppers, originating from Spain, used to add flavour and colour to food.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A ground spice made from dried, smoked red peppers, originating from Spain, used to add flavour and colour to food.
Refers specifically to the smoked variety (pimentón) from Spain, which can be sweet, bittersweet, or hot. It is a defining ingredient in many Spanish and international dishes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically. However, in the UK, 'paprika' alone may more commonly refer to the Hungarian sweet variety. In the US, generic 'paprika' is often milder and less distinctive.
Connotations
Connotes authentic Spanish cuisine (e.g., paella, chorizo). In both regions, it suggests a higher-quality, smoked spice compared to generic paprika.
Frequency
More frequent in cooking contexts, food writing, and gourmet/specialist shops than in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “spanish paprika” in a Sentence
[Verb] + Spanish paprika: *add/sprinkle/use* Spanish paprika[Adjective] + Spanish paprika: *smoked/authentic* Spanish paprikaSpanish paprika + [Verb]: *Spanish paprika adds/smokes*Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spanish paprika” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The recipe suggests you *paprika* the chicken, but using Spanish paprika is best.
American English
- Make sure to *paprika* the potatoes before roasting; Spanish paprika works great.
adjective
British English
- The Spanish-paprika rub gave the ribs a lovely colour.
American English
- She made a Spanish-paprika aioli for the fries.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the food import/export industry, gourmet food retail descriptions, and restaurant supply catalogs.
Academic
Appears in culinary history, food science, and cultural studies texts discussing Spanish cuisine or spice trade.
Everyday
Used in home cooking, recipe discussions, and grocery shopping.
Technical
Used in food labelling, culinary arts, and product specifications (e.g., 'Pimentón de La Vera D.O.P.').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spanish paprika”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spanish paprika”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spanish paprika”
- Pronouncing it as /peɪˈpriːkə/ (like 'pay-pree-ka') instead of the standard /pəˈpriː.kə/ or /ˈpæp.rɪ.kə/.
- Using it interchangeably with generic 'paprika' in recipes, which can drastically alter the intended smoky flavour.
- Misspelling as 'Spanish paprica'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'pimentón' is the Spanish word for paprika. 'Spanish paprika' in English usually refers specifically to the smoked pimentón from regions like La Vera.
You can, but the flavour will be different. Regular paprika is not smoked, so you will lose the characteristic smoky, deep flavour that Spanish paprika provides.
The main types are 'dulce' (sweet/mild), 'agridulce' (bittersweet/medium), and 'picante' (hot). All are typically smoked.
It is available in well-stocked supermarkets, speciality food stores, gourmet shops, and online retailers specializing in spices or Spanish ingredients.
A ground spice made from dried, smoked red peppers, originating from Spain, used to add flavour and colour to food.
Spanish paprika is usually culinary / everyday in register.
Spanish paprika: in British English it is pronounced /ˌspæn.ɪʃ ˈpæp.rɪ.kə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌspæn.ɪʃ pəˈpriː.kə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this compound noun.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SPANish Paella Needs A Smoky SPice' – SPAN = SPanish, Pa = Paprika.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPANISH PAPRIKA IS SMOKE/FIRE (e.g., 'It adds a smoky depth,' 'It brings fire to the dish.').
Practice
Quiz
What is the key characteristic that typically distinguishes 'Spanish paprika' from generic 'paprika'?