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"Anchoa" is a noun which is often translated as "anchovy", and "boquerón" is a noun which is also often translated as "anchovy". Learn more about the difference between "anchoa" and "boquerón" below.
la anchoa(
ahn
-
choh
-
ah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
a. anchovy
Las aceitunas rellenas de anchoa son uno de nuestros productos más populares.Anchovy-stuffed olives are one of our most popular products.
el boquerón(
boh
-
keh
-
rohn
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (animal)
a. anchovy
El pescador levantó la red, que estaba llena de boquerones.The fisherman pulled up the net, which was full of anchovies.
2. (culinary)
a. anchovy
Marina los boquerones en vinagre, aceite de oliva y perejil.Marinate the anchovies in vinegar, olive oil, and parsley.
3. (big hole)
a. wide opening
Las ratas ingresaron a través de un boquerón en la muralla.The rats came in through a wide opening in the wall.
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
a. person from Malaga
Pablo y otros boquerones se enorgullecen de decir que son de una de las más antiguas ciudades del mundo.Pablo and other people from Malaga are proud to say that they're from one of the oldest cities in the world.