calabaza
/kah-lah-BAH-sah/
pumpkin
Una calabaza is a large orange fruit often grown in patches.
calabaza(noun)
pumpkin
?the large orange fruit
squash
?general category of similar vegetables
,gourd
?the hard-shelled variety
📝 In Action
Compramos una calabaza enorme para Halloween.
A1We bought a huge pumpkin for Halloween.
Me gusta la crema de calabaza en invierno.
A2I like pumpkin soup in the winter.
💡 Grammar Points
Feminine Noun Basics
Since this word ends in 'a', it is feminine. Use 'la' for one (la calabaza) and 'las' for many (las calabazas).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Pumpkin vs. Zucchini
Mistake: "Using 'calabaza' when you mean 'zucchini'."
Correction: Use 'calabacín' for the small green summer squash (zucchini) and 'calabaza' for the larger winter varieties.
⭐ Usage Tips
Regional Variations
In Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile, you will almost always hear 'zapallo' instead of 'calabaza'.
In some contexts, 'dar calabazas' means to reject someone's romantic advances.
calabaza(noun)
rejection
?turning someone down romantically
failing grade
?failing an exam or course
,noggin
?humorous way to say 'head'
📝 In Action
Le pidió una cita, pero ella le dio calabazas.
B2He asked her out, but she turned him down.
He sacado calabazas en matemáticas.
B2I failed my math exam.
💡 Grammar Points
Using the plural
When talking about rejection or failing, we almost always use the plural form 'calabazas'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Why pumpkins?
Long ago, pumpkin seeds were thought to reduce romantic desire, which is likely why 'giving pumpkins' became a symbol for rejection!
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: calabaza
Question 1 of 2
If your crush 'te da calabazas', what happened?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'calabaza' only mean the orange pumpkin used for carving?
No, in Spanish, 'calabaza' is a broad term that includes pumpkins, but also many types of squash and gourds used in cooking.
Is it 'el' or 'la' calabaza?
It is always 'la calabaza' because it is a feminine noun.