Noun
/esˈpa.ra.ɣo/
"Esparrago" refers to the vegetable known as asparagus, which is a type of flowering plant cultivated for its edible shoots. In Spanish, the term can be used in both culinary contexts and in more metaphorical senses, such as describing someone as tall or thin. It is commonly used in both spoken and written forms, given its relevance in food and nutrition discussions.
Frequency of use: Generally used in both oral and written contexts, with a slight preference towards written communication, especially in culinary literature and recipes.
Los espárragos son una buena fuente de vitaminas.
Asparagus is a good source of vitamins.
Me encanta comer espárragos al vapor con un poco de aceite de oliva.
I love eating steamed asparagus with a little olive oil.
Los espárragos frescos son más sabrosos que los enlatados.
Fresh asparagus is tastier than canned ones.
"Esparrago" isn’t typically found in many idiomatic expressions, but here are a couple of phrases that can give a figurative sense:
Juan es tan delgado que parece un espárrago.
Juan is so thin that he looks like an asparagus.
No hay espárrago que no tenga su tronco.
Every asparagus has its stalk (meaning that every person has their background).
The word "esparrago" comes from the Latin "asparagus," which is derived from the Greek "asparagos." This shows the long history of the term in relation to cuisine and cultivation, as asparagus has been consumed since antiquity.
Synonyms: - Espárrago verde (green asparagus) - Espárrago blanco (white asparagus)
Antonyms: - Hay no direct antonyms for "esparrago” within the context of vegetables, as it refers specifically to one type of plant. However, in a broader sense, any other type of vegetable could be considered an indirect antonym.
By exploring the term "esparrago," we see its culinary significance and the nuances it holds in various contexts within the Spanish language.