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arroz means rice — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: April 24, 2026

📘 Essential Spanish

arroz

noun • /[ah-ROTH]/

rice

Example:

El arroz está caliente.

The rice is hot.

🧠 What does arroz mean?

Arroz is a fundamental food grain that is a staple in cuisines worldwide, including Spanish and Latin American cooking. It refers to the seed of the grass species Oryza sativa (Asian rice) or, less commonly, Oryza glaberrima (African rice). In its culinary context, arroz typically denotes the cooked form of these grains, serving as a base for numerous dishes or as a side component.

📚 Extra examples

  • Para la paella, se utiliza arroz bomba.
    For paella, bomba rice is used.
  • Me gusta el arroz con pollo.
    I like rice with chicken.
  • El arroz blanco es un acompañamiento común.
    White rice is a common side dish.
  • Se cultiva mucho arroz en esta región.
    A lot of rice is cultivated in this region.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'arroz' entered Spanish from Arabic, specifically from the word 'al-ruz'. This linguistic journey highlights the historical influence of Arab culture on Spanish cuisine and language.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "arroz"

Synonyms: grano de arroz

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'rice' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'rice' is 'arroz'.
How do you pronounce 'arroz' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'arroz' is roughly 'ah-RROHS'. The 'rr' is a trilled sound, similar to the 'r' in 'red' but with more vibration.
How do you use 'arroz' in a sentence?
'Arroz' is used to refer to the grain itself or a dish prepared with it. For example: 'Necesito comprar arroz.' (I need to buy rice.) or 'El arroz está listo.' (The rice is ready.)
What is the English translation of 'arroz'?
The English translation of 'arroz' is 'rice'.
Does 'arroz' change for gender or number?
No, 'arroz' is a masculine noun and does not change for number or gender in its basic form. It remains 'arroz' whether referring to one serving or many.
Is 'arroz' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'arroz' is extremely common in everyday Spanish. It is a staple food in Spain and Latin America, found in countless recipes and daily meals.
Does 'arroz' have slang or double meanings?
While 'arroz' itself primarily refers to the grain, in some contexts, phrases involving 'arroz' might carry idiomatic meanings, but the word itself does not typically have slang or double meanings in common usage.
Is 'arroz' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The fundamental meaning of 'arroz' as rice is the same across Spain and Latin America. However, the specific dishes and preparations of rice vary significantly by region, with unique specialties in each area.

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