Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/yuka/

Translation Options into English

• Cassava
• Yuca
• Manioc

Meaning and Usage

The term "yuca" refers to the starchy root vegetable known as cassava or manioc, widely consumed in various forms in many tropical regions. It is often cooked, fried, or processed into flour. In various Spanish-speaking countries, "yuca" is a staple food and is culturally significant, especially in regions such as Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America like Bolivia. The term is used both in oral speech and written contexts, with high frequency in culinary discussions and cultural references.

Example Sentences: 1. La yuca es un ingrediente básico en la cocina hondureña.
(Yuca is a basic ingredient in Honduran cuisine.)

1. En muchas fiestas en la República Dominicana, se sirve yuca junto con carne.
   (At many celebrations in the Dominican Republic, yuca is served with meat.)

2. En Bolivia, la yuca se utiliza para hacer un plato llamado saice.
   (In Bolivia, yuca is used to make a dish called saice.)

Idiomatic Expressions

While "yuca" itself may not be heavily featured in idiomatic expressions, it can be used metaphorically in discussions relating to food, culture, and even challenges. Here are some idiomatic expressions related to "yuca":

1. "Más duro que yuca."
   (Tougher than yuca.)

2. Referring to something or someone being very tough or resilient.

3. "Saber como yuca."
   (To know like yuca.)

4. Used to indicate someone knows a lot about something, especially related to local customs or food.

5. "Estar en yuca."
   (To be in yuca.)

6. This could be colloquially used in some regions to describe being in a difficult situation.

Etymology

The word "yuca" comes from the Taíno language, a native language of the Caribbean. The term underwent adaptations in various languages as cassava spread globally. Its introduction to the European language sphere can be traced back to colonial times.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Mandioca - Cassava - Manioc

Antonyms: - (As "yuca" refers specifically to a type of root vegetable, it doesn't have direct antonyms but can be contrasted with other types of root vegetables or starches, such as) - Papas (Potatoes) - Batatas (Sweet potatoes)

Yuca not only plays a significant role in diets but also in cultural representations in different Spanish-speaking countries, making it a multifaceted term worth understanding in various contexts.