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

📅 Published: April 19, 2026

📘 Essential Spanish

carne

noun • /[KAR-neh]/

meat

Example:

La carne está en el plato.

The meat is on the plate.

🧠 What does carne mean?

The word 'carne' is a Spanish noun that translates to 'meat' in English. It refers to the flesh of animals as food. This term is fundamental for discussing food, cooking, and dietary habits in Spanish-speaking cultures.

📚 Extra examples

  • En mi restaurante favorito, la especialidad es la carne asada.
    In my favorite restaurant, the specialty is grilled meat.
  • Los vegetarianos no comen carne.
    Vegetarians do not eat meat.
  • Prefiero la carne de res sobre la carne de cerdo.
    I prefer beef over pork.
  • La carne estaba muy tierna y jugosa.
    The meat was very tender and juicy.
  • Necesitamos comprar carne para la cena de esta noche.
    We need to buy meat for tonight's dinner.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'carne' derives from the Latin 'carnem', meaning flesh. It is related to other Romance languages, such as Italian 'carne' and French 'chair'.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "carne"

Synonyms: alimento (food, general), proteína (protein)
Opposites: verdura (vegetable), fruta (fruit), grano (grain)

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'meat' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'meat' is 'carne'.
How do you pronounce 'carne' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'carne' is approximately 'KAR-nay', with the stress on the first syllable.
How do you use 'carne' in a sentence?
'Carne' is used in sentences to refer to meat as a food item. For example, 'Me gusta comer carne los fines de semana' (I like to eat meat on weekends).
What is the English translation of 'carne'?
The English translation of 'carne' is 'meat'.
Does 'carne' change for gender or number?
'Carne' is a feminine noun and it is typically used in its singular form. While technically pluralizable to 'carnes', it is less common in everyday usage when referring to meat as a general food category.
Is 'carne' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'carne' is a very common word in everyday Spanish, essential for discussing food and meals.
Does 'carne' have slang or double meanings?
While 'carne' primarily means 'meat', in some contexts, it can informally refer to human flesh, especially in figurative or more intense discussions. However, its primary and most frequent meaning is edible meat.
Is 'carne' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning of 'carne' as 'meat' is consistent across Spain and Latin America. Regional variations might exist in the specific types of meat commonly consumed or in certain culinary expressions, but the word itself is understood universally.

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