Spanish · Food & Drink
"Pepper (spice)" in Spanish: pimienta
la pimienta
Black pepper (the spice) is la pimienta (pee-MYEN-tah). It is feminine: la pimienta, pimienta negra. Do not confuse it with el chile (chili) or el pimiento (bell pepper).
How to pronounce pimienta: audio and sound guideAt the table
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How to pronounce pimienta
Say it
pee-MYEN-tah
/piˈmjen.ta/
pee-MYEN-tah. Stress MYEN. Soft p. The ie is a quick rising diphthong. Final tah is clear.
"Pepper (spice)" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| la pimienta | pepper (spice) Usually black pepper at the table. | Usually black pepper at the table. |
| la pimienta negra | black pepper Explicit spice name. | Explicit spice name. |
| la pimienta molida | ground pepper Already ground, not whole peppercorns. | Already ground, not whole peppercorns. |
| el pimentero | pepper shaker / mill The tool on the table. | The tool on the table. |
How to use pimienta in real life
- 1At the table
¿Me pasas la pimienta?
Could you pass me the pepper?
Same pattern as asking for salt.
- 2Cooking
Añade pimienta negra al gusto.
Add black pepper to taste.
Al gusto means to your taste.
- 3Ordering steak
El bistec con poca pimienta.
The steak with little pepper.
Poca pimienta keeps seasoning light.
Mistakes English speakers make with pimienta
Incorrect: El pimienta está en la mesa.
Correct: La pimienta está en la mesa.
Pimienta is feminine. Use la pimienta.
Incorrect: Pon chile cuando quieres black pepper.
Correct: Pon pimienta negra.
Chile is chili heat. The black table spice is pimienta. Bell pepper is pimiento.
Good to know
Good to knowOn a Latin American table, pimienta is the black shaker spice; chile is the hot pepper family; pimiento is usually a sweet bell pepper. English "pepper" covers all three; pimienta is only the spice. Spain uses the same trio.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Seasoning a steak
ChatPal
¿Sal y pimienta en la carne?
Salt and pepper on the meat?
You
Sí. Poca pimienta, por favor.
Yes. Little pepper, please.
ChatPal
Listo. Molí la pimienta fresca.
Done. I ground the pepper fresh.
You
Huele muy bien.
It smells really good.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Pepper (spice)" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Pepper (spice)" in Spanish
Is pimienta masculine or feminine?
Feminine: la pimienta, pimienta negra.
What is the difference between pimienta and chile?
Pimienta is black pepper spice. Chile is a chili pepper. Pimiento is often a bell pepper.
How do you pronounce pimienta?
pee-MYEN-tah with stress on MYEN.
How do I ask for the pepper mill?
¿Me pasas el pimentero? or ¿Me pasas la pimienta?
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