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"Cáscaras" is a noun which is often translated as "shell", and "concha" is a noun which is also often translated as "shell". Learn more about the difference between "cáscaras" and "concha" below.
la cáscara(
kahs
-
kah
-
rah
)
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
feminine noun
a. shell (of an egg and nuts)
En la tortilla de papas hay un pedazo de cáscara.There's a piece of shell in the Spanish omelette.
b. peel (of fruit)
Cuando la leche hierva, añade azúcar y una cáscara de naranja.When the milk is boiling, add sugar and the peel of an orange.
c. skin (of a banana or potato)
Tira la cáscara de papa en el bote de compost.Throw the potato skin in the compost bin.
d. rind (of cheese or citrus)
Usé la cáscara del queso parmesano para añadirle más sabor a la sopa.I used the rind of the Parmesan cheese to add more flavor to the soup.
a. shell
No bote las cáscaras de las gambas. Puede aprovecharlas para un caldo.Don't throw away the prawn shells. You can use them for a stock.
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la concha(
kohn
-
chah
)
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
feminine noun
a. shell
La concha de una tortuga es muy dura.A turtle's shell is very hard.
b. seashell (marine)
Los niños encontraron muchas conchas en la orilla del mar.The children found a lot of seashells on the seashore.
c. tortoiseshell (material produced from shell)
La pulsera antigua está hecha de concha.The antique bracelet is made out of tortoiseshell.
a. shell
Yo compré estos pistachios sin las conchas.I bought these pistachios without shells.
3. (culinary)
Regionalism used in Mexico
(Mexico)
a. bun
Horneamos unas conchas para el desayuno con los vecinos.We baked some buns for breakfast with the neighbors.
b. pastry
Compré un surtido de conchas fresquitas de la panadería.I bought a selection of fresh pastries from the bakery.
4.
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
(audacity)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
a. nerve
Qué concha tiene por regresar aquí.He's got some nerve coming back here.
5. (female genitalia)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
a. pussy
A word or phrase that is gravely offensive and taboo in all contexts.
(extremely offensive)
Regionalism used in the United States
(United States)
b. cunt
A word or phrase that is gravely offensive and taboo in all contexts.
(extremely offensive)
c. fanny
A word or phrase that is gravely offensive and taboo in all contexts.
(extremely offensive)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
(United Kingdom)
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