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

Part of Speech

The word "mole" in Spanish is a noun.

Phonetic Transcription

/mole/

Translation Options into English

The word "mole" can be translated into English as: - mole (the animal) - mole (the skin blemish) - mole (a type of sauce in Mexican cuisine)

Meaning and Usage

In the Spanish language, the word "mole" primarily refers to: 1. A small burrowing mammal (the animal). 2. A skin blemish or growth (less common). 3. A traditional Mexican sauce made from various ingredients, particularly used in dishes like "mole poblano."

The frequency of the word's use varies depending on context. The reference to the animal is generally used in both written and spoken contexts, while the culinary term is especially prominent in conversations about food, cooking, and culture. It is particularly common in Mexico and among communities that celebrate Mexican cuisine.

Example Sentences

1. El mole es un platillo tradicional mexicano que se sirve en ocasiones especiales.

2. Mole is a traditional Mexican dish that is served on special occasions.

3. Vi un mole cavando un túnel en el jardín.

4. I saw a mole digging a tunnel in the garden.

5. La dermatóloga dijo que el mole en mi brazo debe ser revisado.

6. The dermatologist said that the mole on my arm should be checked.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "mole" itself is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions, the context of culinary references is rich in Mexican culture.

Example Sentences with Idiomatic Expressions

1. "Más vale un buen mole que mil palabras."

2. "A good mole is worth more than a thousand words." (Emphasizing the value of good food over mere talk.)

3. "No todo lo que brilla es mole."

4. "Not everything that shines is mole." (A twist on "not everything that glitters is gold," implying that appearances can be deceiving.)

5. "Al mole, lo bueno se le da rápido."

6. "With mole, good things come quickly." (Referring to the effort of cooking mole and the satisfaction it brings.)

7. "No hay mole sin un buen chocolate."

8. "There's no mole without good chocolate." (Highlighting the essential ingredients and their importance.)

9. "Ese platillo tiene tanto mole como un campo."

10. "That dish has as much mole as a field." (Referring to a generous quantity of mole being used in a dish.)

Etymology

The word "mole" comes from the Nahuatl word "mōlli," which means "sauce," and has been adopted into the Spanish language, particularly in contexts referring to Mexican cuisine.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Mole (sauce): Salsa, adobo (for sauces in general).
• Mole (animal): Topo (in Spanish), but "mole" is specifically a kind of mole, which is differentiated by regions.

Antonyms

There are no direct antonyms for "mole," as it refers to specific concepts (animal, sauce, blemish) that do not have opposing terms. However, in a culinary context, you might refer to lighter sauces as oppositional in terms of heaviness or richness, such as "salsa ligera" (light sauce).

In summary, "mole" encompasses different meanings based on context and is a term that carries cultural significance, especially in Mexican cuisine.