cocer (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

• Verb

Phonetic Transcription

• /koˈθeɾ/ in Spain (Castilian Spanish)
• /koˈseɾ/ in Latin America

Translation Options

• To cook
• To boil
• To bake

Meaning and Usage

The verb cocer refers to the act of cooking or preparing food by applying heat. It can specifically denote boiling but also extends to various cooking methods such as baking or roasting depending on the context.

In Spanish, cocer is frequently used in both oral and written contexts, though it may appear more in culinary discussions, recipes, and instructional texts. The frequency of use is moderate, primarily due to its association with everyday activities.

Example Sentences

1. Voy a cocer la pasta para la cena.

2. I'm going to cook the pasta for dinner.

3. Es importante cocer las verduras adecuadamente.

4. It's important to cook the vegetables properly.

5. ¿Cuánto tiempo debemos cocer el pollo?

6. How long should we cook the chicken?

Idiomatic Expressions

The verb cocer features in several idiomatic expressions in Spanish, enriching its usage across various contexts.

1. Cocerse en su propio jugo
2. Translation: To stew in one's own juice (to suffer because of one's own actions).

3. Example: A veces, es mejor dejar que se coza en su propio jugo.

   • Sometimes, it’s better to let him stew in his own juice.

4. A fuego lento se cocinan mejor las cosas

5. Translation: Things are better cooked on low heat.

6. Example: A fuego lento se cocinan mejor las cosas, así que ten paciencia con la salsa.

   • Things are better cooked on low heat, so be patient with the sauce.

7. No hay que cocer la carne demasiado

8. Translation: You shouldn’t overcook the meat.

9. Example: Si quieres que esté jugosa, no hay que cocer la carne demasiado.

   • If you want it juicy, you shouldn’t overcook the meat.

10. Cocer a alguien en insultos

11. Translation: To roast someone with insults.
12. Example: No me gusta ver cómo lo cocen en insultos en la reunión.
    • I don’t like seeing how they roast him with insults in the meeting.

Etymology

The word cocer comes from the Latin verb coquere, which means "to cook." The transformation from Latin to Spanish involved phonetic changes typical of the evolution of Vulgar Latin into the Romance languages.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Cocinar (to cook) - Hervir (to boil) - Asar (to roast)

Antonyms: - Crudo (raw) - Descomponer (to spoil or decay)

In summary, cocer is a fundamental verb in the culinary lexicon of the Spanish language, showcasing its practical usage and integration into various idiomatic expressions.