Spanish · Food & Drink
"Lamb" in Spanish: cordero
el cordero
Lamb is el cordero (kor-DEH-roh), a masculine noun. On menus look for cordero asado or costillas de cordero. The living animal and the meat share cordero in everyday talk.
How to pronounce cordero: audio and sound guideRestaurant order
Para mí, el cordero asado.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce cordero
Say it
kor-DEH-roh
/koɾˈde.ɾo/
kor-DEH-roh, stress on DEH. Soft d between vowels is fine. Keep three clear syllables in cordero.
"Lamb" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| el cordero | lamb Default word for lamb meat on menus. | Default word for lamb meat on menus. |
| el cordero asado | roast lamb Sunday or festive roast style. | Sunday or festive roast style. |
| las costillas de cordero | lamb chops / ribs Common grilled cut. | Common grilled cut. |
| la pierna de cordero | leg of lamb Large roast cut. | Large roast cut. |
How to use cordero in real life
- 1Restaurant order
Para mí, el cordero asado.
For me, the roast lamb.
Festive plate with cordero.
- 2Checking the menu
¿El cordero viene con papas?
Does the lamb come with potatoes?
Side question for cordero.
- 3Preference
No como cordero, gracias.
I don't eat lamb, thanks.
Clear refusal using cordero.
Mistakes English speakers make with cordero
Incorrect: La cordero está lista.
Correct: El cordero está listo.
Cordero is masculine. Say el cordero, un cordero, este cordero.
Incorrect: Quiero lamb en la carta.
Correct: Quiero cordero.
Use cordero on Spanish menus instead of English lamb.
Good to know
Good to knowCordero shows up at celebrations and highland menus more than at everyday taco stands. In some regions goat (cabrito or chivo) is more common than cordero. If a menu lists cordero, you are ordering sheep meat, not goat.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Choosing a main dish
ChatPal
¿Te anima el cordero asado?
Does the roast lamb appeal to you?
You
Sí, pruebo el cordero.
Yes, I'll try the lamb.
ChatPal
El cordero va con hierbas.
The lamb comes with herbs.
You
Suena perfecto.
Sounds perfect.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Lamb" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Lamb" in Spanish
Is cordero masculine or feminine?
Masculine: el cordero, un cordero tierno. Feminine would be wrong here.
How do you pronounce cordero?
kor-DEH-roh with stress on DEH. Roll or tap the r lightly.
Is cabrito the same as cordero?
No. Cabrito is young goat. Cordero is lamb.
How do I say lamb chops?
Costillas de cordero or chuletas de cordero, depending on the cut and country.
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