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mermelada

mer-meh-LAH-dah/meɾmeˈlaða/

“mermelada” means “jam” in Spanish (general fruit preserve).

jam, marmalade

Also: jelly, payola
NounfA1
Peru
A glass jar filled with red strawberry jam and a small spoon resting inside.

📝 In Action

Quiero una tostada con mantequilla y mermelada de fresa.

A1

I want a piece of toast with butter and strawberry jam.

Esta mermelada casera no tiene conservantes.

A2

This homemade jam doesn't have preservatives.

Untó la mermelada con cuidado sobre el bizcocho.

B1

He carefully spread the jam over the sponge cake.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • confitura (preserve/confiture)
  • compota (stewed fruit/compote)

Common Collocations

  • mermelada de fresa – strawberry jam
  • mermelada de naranja – marmalade
  • untar mermelada – to spread jam

Idioms & Expressions

  • mermelada de prensa – In some countries (like Peru), this refers to journalists taking bribes to write positive stories.

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "mermelada" in Spanish:

jam→jelly→marmalade→payola→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: mermelada

Question 1 of 3

What is the most common translation for 'mermelada'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
mermeladero(someone who makes/sells jam) — Noun
almíbar(syrup (used to preserve fruit)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Portuguese word 'marmelada,' which originally meant a preserve made of quinces (marmelo). This comes from the Greek 'melimelon,' meaning 'honey apple.'

First recorded: 16th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: marmeladaFrench: marmeladeEnglish: marmalade

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'mermelada' just for orange jam?

No! Unlike the English word 'marmalade' which is usually citrus-based, the Spanish 'mermelada' is used for any kind of fruit jam, like grape, strawberry, or peach.

What is the difference between 'mermelada' and 'confitura'?

They are very similar. 'Confitura' often has more whole pieces of fruit and a higher sugar content, while 'mermelada' is more of a uniform spread.

Is the word masculine or feminine?

It is feminine: la mermelada.