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tortilla

tor-TEE-yah/torˈti.ʝa/

“tortilla” means “Spanish omelet” in Spanish (In Spain, a thick dish made of eggs and potatoes).

Spanish omelet, tortilla

Also: omelet
NounfA1
SpainMexico
A thick, golden-brown Spanish potato omelet served on a rustic plate.

📝 In Action

En España, la tortilla de patatas es el plato más famoso.

A1

In Spain, the potato omelet is the most famous dish.

¿Quieres tortillas de maíz o de harina para tus tacos?

A1

Do you want corn or flour tortillas for your tacos?

Voy a preparar una tortilla francesa para el desayuno.

A2

I'm going to make a plain omelet for breakfast.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • omelet (omelet (often used for the French style))

Common Collocations

  • tortilla de patatas – potato omelet
  • tortilla de maíz – corn tortilla
  • tortilla francesa – plain omelet (just eggs)

Idioms & Expressions

  • darle la vuelta a la tortilla – to turn the tables or change a situation completely
  • quedarse como una tortilla – to be flattened or squashed

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "tortilla" in Spanish:

spanish omelet→tortilla→

🗣️ Practice in a Tongue Twister

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: tortilla

Question 1 of 3

If you are in Madrid and order a 'tortilla', what will you most likely receive?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
tortillita(little tortilla) — Noun
tortillero(tortilla maker (person or container)) — Noun
tortillería(tortilla shop) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Spanish word 'torta' (meaning a round cake or flatbread), plus the ending '-illa' which means 'small.' Together, it literally means 'little cake.'

First recorded: 16th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: tortillaFrench: torte

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are tortillas always made of corn?

No. In Mexico, they can be made of corn or flour. In Spain, 'tortilla' refers to an egg-based dish similar to an omelet.

Is 'tortilla' masculine or feminine?

It is feminine. You should always use 'la' or 'una' (e.g., La tortilla está rica).

What is a 'tortilla de harina'?

It is a tortilla made from wheat flour, very common in northern Mexico and for making burritos.