How to Say Pepper in Spanish | MostUsedWords.com
Updated for 2026, "pepper" translates to "pimienta" or "pimiento" in Spanish, depending on the type of pepper you're referring to. Understanding how to say pepper in different languages is essential for anyone interested in exploring diverse cuisines and enhancing their linguistic skills.
2,500 most common Spanish words with IPA pronunciation & bilingual example sentences
What is "Pepper" in Spanish?
In Spanish, the term for black pepper is pimienta, while chili peppers are referred to as pimiento. Here’s how you pronounce these terms:
- Pimienta (IPA: /pi.mjen.ta/)
- Pimiento (IPA: /pi.mjen.to/)
Meaning of "Pepper" in Spanish
Want to improve your Spanish?
The Spanish Frequency Dictionary series covers the 10,000 most common Spanish words — ranked by how often native speakers actually use them, with IPA pronunciation, English translations, and bilingual example sentences at every level.
Browse all 4 volumes →The word pepper typically refers to two distinct spices: black pepper, scientifically known as Piper nigrum, and chili peppers from the genus Capsicum. Black pepper is a pungent spice derived from dried berries of the pepper plant, whereas chili peppers encompass various hot peppers.
Regional Variations in Spanish-Speaking Countries
The culinary traditions across different Spanish-speaking regions lead to variations in how they refer to pepper:
- Mexico: In Mexico, the term chile (IPA: /ˈtʃi.le/) is commonly used for chili peppers. However, "pimienta" is also understood as black pepper.
- Spain: Spaniards generally use "pimienta" for black pepper and "pimiento" for chili pepper, aligning with standard Spanish terminology.
Usage in Spanish Cuisine
The versatility of pepper is evident in various dishes across the Spanish-speaking world. For instance:
- Mexican cuisine: Chili peppers are integral to many traditional Mexican recipes, adding heat and flavor.
- Spanish cuisine: Black pepper enhances the taste of meat dishes, while chili peppers contribute zest to sauces and stews.
How to Say "Pepper" in Spanish: Sample Sentences
To help you integrate these terms into your vocabulary, here are five sample sentences:
- Me encanta la pimienta negra en mis platos de pasta.
(I love black pepper in my pasta dishes.)
- El pimiento rojo añade un toque de picante a la comida.
(The red chili pepper adds a spicy kick to the food.)
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar pimienta molida de buena calidad?
(Where can I find good-quality ground black pepper?)
- Este guiso necesita un poco de pimiento verde para realzar el sabor.
(This stew needs a bit of green bell pepper to enhance the flavor.)
- La salsa de ají es famosa por su sabor picante y agridulce.
(The chili pepper sauce is famous for its spicy and tangy flavor.)
Build Your Spanish Vocabulary Systematically
The fastest way to grow your Spanish vocabulary is to start with the words you'll actually encounter every day. The Spanish Frequency Dictionary covers the 2,500 most common Spanish words, each with IPA pronunciation, an English translation, and bilingual example sentences.
Browse the full range of Spanish frequency dictionaries to find the volume that matches your level.