The Ultimate Guide: 5 Essential Ways To Say "Pickle" In Spanish And Sound Like A Native

Are you tired of just pointing at the jar of pickles on a Spanish menu? The simple question "How do you say pickle in Spanish?" has a surprisingly complex answer, filled with regional slang, culinary context, and different types of preservation. As of December 10, 2025, the most universally understood term for a standard pickled cucumber is pepinillo, but relying on that one word alone will leave you missing out on a world of delicious Spanish and Latin American pickled delights.

Understanding the nuances between *pepinillo*, *encurtido*, and *escabeche* is the key to mastering your Spanish vocabulary and unlocking a new level of culinary enjoyment, whether you're ordering tapas in Madrid or a sandwich in Mexico City. Get ready to learn the precise terms for everything from a classic dill spear to the tangy relish on your hot dog.

The Core Vocabulary: 5 Ways to Say "Pickle" in Spanish

The English word "pickle" is broad—it refers both to the pickled cucumber itself and to the process of pickling. Spanish, however, is much more specific. Here are the five most crucial terms you need to know, depending on the context.

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1. Pepinillo: The Pickled Cucumber

This is the single most common and direct translation for the small, pickled cucumber you find on sandwiches and burgers.

• The Word: Pepinillo (pronounced: peh-pee-NEE-yoh)
• Meaning: Gherkin or small pickled cucumber. The word is a diminutive of pepino (cucumber).
• Usage: Use this when you are specifically asking for a whole or sliced pickled cucumber, like a dill spear or a sweet gherkin. For example: "I'd like a hamburger with pepinillos."

2. Encurtido: The General Term for Pickled Foods

If you want to refer to the category of pickled foods, this is your go-to word.

• The Word: Encurtido (pronounced: en-koor-TEE-doh)
• Meaning: Pickled (adjective) or a pickled item (noun).
• Usage: This is the umbrella term for any vegetable preserved in a brine (*salmuera*) or vinegar (*vinagre*) solution. If you are looking for a jar of mixed pickled vegetables—like carrots, cauliflower, or onions—you are looking for encurtidos (plural).

3. Pepino Encurtido: The Literal Translation

This phrase is the most explicit way to describe a pickled cucumber, though it is often shortened to just pepinillo.

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• The Phrase: Pepino encurtido (pronounced: peh-PEE-noh en-koor-TEE-doh)
• Meaning: Pickled cucumber.
• Usage: This term is helpful in formal or educational contexts, or if you need to be absolutely clear that you are referring to a cucumber that has been pickled, as opposed to a fresh one (*pepino*).

4. Escabeche: The Pickling Method

This term refers not just to the food, but to a specific type of marinade and pickling technique, often with a more savory, spiced flavor profile.

• The Word: Escabeche (pronounced: es-kah-BEH-cheh)
• Meaning: Marinade, brine, or souse; a dish preserved in a vinegar-based sauce, often with oil and spices.
• Usage: While *pepinillos* are rarely called *escabeche*, other pickled items are. You will commonly see *cebollas en escabeche* (pickled onions) or even fish like *arenques en escabeche* (pickled herring). This method has Arab origins and is a staple in Spanish and Latin American cuisine.

5. Cebollas Curtidas / Curtido: Latin American Staple

In many parts of Central America, a different set of terms are used, particularly for popular side condiments.

• The Terms: Cebollas curtidas (pickled onions) or simply curtido.
• Meaning: Pickled or cured.
• Usage: In countries like Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador, *curtido* is a general term for a light, vinegary slaw or pickled vegetable mix. *Cebollas curtidas* are a popular topping for tacos, tortas, and are a classic accompaniment to Salvadoran *pupusas*.

Mastering Specific Pickle Varieties and Contexts

The type of pickle you are looking for will dictate which Spanish term you should use. Avoid literal translations, as they can sometimes sound awkward. Here are the common LSI keywords and their correct Spanish equivalents.

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How to Order Your Favorite Pickles

When you're dealing with the classic American-style pickles, you need to add an adjective to pepinillo:

• Dill Pickle: Pepinillo en vinagre al eneldo. The key is adding "al eneldo" (with dill) to specify the flavor.
• Sweet Pickle: Pepinillo dulce. The word dulce means sweet.
• Sour Pickle: Pepinillo agrio. The word agrio means sour.
• Pickle Relish: Salsa de pepinillo or condimento de pepinillo. If it's sweet relish, you might see condimento de especias dulces.

The Culinary World of Spanish Encurtidos

In Spain and Latin America, the world of *encurtidos* is far richer than just the simple cucumber. Pickled items are essential for tapas, appetizers, and as a flavor-boosting condiment for heavier dishes. Understanding this context elevates your language skills from tourist to culinary enthusiast.

Banderillas: The Classic Spanish Tapas Skewer

One of the most famous uses of *encurtidos* in Spain is the *banderilla*. Named after the barbed darts used in bullfighting, these colorful, flavorful skewers are a staple in tapas bars across the country.

A typical *banderilla* features a combination of pickled items, often including:

• Pepinillos (gherkins)
• Aceitunas (olives)
• Cebollitas en vinagre (pickled pearl onions)
• Chilies or peppers, such as *guindillas* or *piparras*

These small, tangy skewers are designed to be eaten in one bite, providing a burst of sour, salty, and sometimes spicy flavor to whet the appetite.

Regional Pickled Delights

The regional variations for "pickle" and pickled vegetables are vast, reflecting the diverse culinary landscape of the Spanish-speaking world:

Spain: The focus is on the *encurtidos* platter, often featuring *aceitunas* (olives), *alcaparras* (capers), and *pepinillos* alongside cheese and cured meats for a charcuterie board.

Mexico: Pickled items, especially spicy ones, are often referred to as *encurtidos picantes*. A famous example is *Jalapeños en Escabeche*, where jalapeños, carrots, and onions are pickled in a savory, spiced vinegar marinade.

Central America: As noted, *curtido* is a key entity. This is a finely shredded cabbage and carrot slaw, fermented or quickly pickled in vinegar, that is indispensable for topping traditional dishes like *pupusas* (thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese or beans).

Conclusion: The Pickle is More Than a Pepinillo

The next time you’re looking for a pickle in a Spanish-speaking country, remember that a single word won't always suffice. While pepinillo is the most common translation for the cucumber pickle, the world of encurtidos offers a much richer and more authentic experience.

By using the correct context—whether asking for a *pepinillo dulce* (sweet pickle) or ordering a platter of *banderillas* (tapas skewers)—you demonstrate a deeper understanding of the language and culture. So go ahead, embrace the tangy, vinegary world of Spanish pickling and enjoy the true taste of *encurtidos*.