The verb cocinar refers to the process of preparing food by heating it. It is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, though it tends to appear more frequently in oral communication, particularly when discussing everyday activities or recipes. The frequency of use is quite high given the central role cooking plays in many cultures.
Voy a cocinar una paella para la cena.
I am going to cook a paella for dinner.
Ella sabe cocinar muy bien platos italianos.
She knows how to cook Italian dishes very well.
The verb cocinar is often found in various idiomatic expressions in Spanish. Below are some expressions and their meanings:
Cocinar a fuego lento
To cook on low heat.
Meaning: To take one's time to do something; to work gradually.
Sentence: Es mejor cocinar a fuego lento para lograr un sabor intenso.
It's better to cook on low heat to achieve an intense flavor.
Cocer en su propia salsa
To stew in one's own juice.
Meaning: To face the consequences of one's actions.
Sentence: Después de mentir, tuvo que cocer en su propia salsa durante semanas.
After lying, he had to stew in his own juice for weeks.
Cocinar con salsa
To cook with sauce.
Meaning: To embellish a story or situation; to make something seem better than it is.
Sentence: Siempre cocina su historia con salsa para hacerla más interesante.
He always embellishes his story to make it more interesting.
The word cocinar comes from the Late Latin coquinare, which in turn derives from the Latin coquere, meaning "to cook." The root reflects the fundamental human activity of preparing food.
Preparar (to prepare)
Antonyms:
This comprehensive view of the word cocinar provides valuable insights into its usage, meaning, and importance in the Spanish language and culture.