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

Part of Speech

• Noun

Phonetic Transcription

• /ˈsal.sa/

Translation Options into English

• Sauce
• Salsa (as in type of music/dance)

Meaning and Usage

In Spanish, "salsa" primarily refers to a type of sauce used in cooking, often made from tomatoes, peppers, onions, and various spices. It is frequently used as a condiment or ingredient in various dishes, particularly in Latin American cuisine.

In a different context, "salsa" also refers to a genre of music and dance originating from Cuba and popular in many Latin American countries, especially in the United States.

Frequency of Use

The word "salsa" is very common in both oral and written contexts. It is frequently mentioned in cooking, dining, and music-related conversations.

Example Sentences

1. La salsa de tomate es perfecta para las pastas.

2. The tomato sauce is perfect for pasta.

3. La salsa que bailamos anoche era muy pegajosa.

4. The salsa we danced to last night was very catchy.

5. Me encanta hacer salsa fresca con aguacate y cilantro.

6. I love making fresh salsa with avocado and cilantro.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Salsa" is often used in idiomatic expressions, particularly relating to its different meanings. Here are a few examples:

1. Poner salsa a la vida.
2. To add spice to life.

3. Example: Siempre busco nuevas aventuras para poner salsa a la vida.

   • I always look for new adventures to add spice to life.

4. Estar en la salsa.

5. To be in the thick of things (to be involved or in a complicated situation).

6. Example: Desde que empezó el proyecto, estoy en la salsa con el trabajo.

   • Since the project started, I'm in the thick of things with work.

7. Hacer salsa.

8. To create a commotion or stir up drama.

9. Example: Su entrada a la reunión fue tan espectacular que hizo salsa.

   • His entrance to the meeting was so spectacular that he created a stir.

10. No hay salsa sin picante.

11. No pain, no gain.
12. Example: Si quieres aprender, debes esforzarte; no hay salsa sin picante.
    • If you want to learn, you must strive; no pain, no gain.

Etymology

The word "salsa" comes from the Latin word "salsā," which is a form of "salsus," meaning "salty." The term evolved through Spanish usage to refer to various sauces and culinary mixes.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Salsa (when referring to sauce: aderezo, condimento) - Músical genre: ritmo, tambor

Antonyms: - The concept of "salsa" itself doesn’t have direct antonyms, but in culinary terms, one could refer to "seco" (dry) in contrast to "salsa" (sauce).

In the context of music and dance, it may be considered opposite to more conservative or traditional styles.