scrambled eggs
in Spanishhuevos revueltos
/WEH-vohs rreh-VWEL-tohs/
This is the most common and universally understood way to say 'scrambled eggs' across the entire Spanish-speaking world. It's your go-to phrase in any country.
'Huevos revueltos' are a breakfast staple throughout the Spanish-speaking world, though how they're prepared can vary by region.
💬Other Ways to Say It
huevos pericos
/WEH-vohs peh-REE-kohs/
Literally 'parrot eggs,' this is the standard term for scrambled eggs in Colombia and Venezuela. It almost always implies they are cooked with chopped tomatoes and onions.
huevos a la mexicana
/WEH-vohs ah lah meh-hee-KAH-nah/
'Mexican-style eggs' are scrambled with tomato, onion, and chili peppers (usually jalapeño or serrano), representing the colors of the Mexican flag. This is an extremely popular breakfast dish in Mexico.
revoltillo de huevos
/rreh-vohl-TEE-yoh deh WEH-vohs/
Literally 'a little scramble of eggs,' this is another common way to refer to the dish, particularly in Caribbean countries like Puerto Rico and sometimes in Spain. It's perfectly understood everywhere.
huevos picados
/WEH-vohs pee-KAH-dohs/
'Chopped eggs' is a less common but still used term in some parts of Mexico and Central America for scrambled eggs. It emphasizes the broken-up nature of the eggs.
revuelto de...
/rreh-VWEL-toh deh.../
In Spain, it's common to see menu items starting with 'Revuelto de...' followed by the main ingredient, like 'Revuelto de champiñones' (scrambled eggs with mushrooms). Eggs are implied.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Here's a quick guide to the most common regional variations for scrambled eggs.
| Phrase | Main Region | What It Is | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huevos revueltos | Universal | Plain scrambled eggs, can be customized. | This is the safe, universal option. Never a bad choice. |
| Huevos pericos | Colombia/Venezuela | Scrambled eggs with tomato and onion. | Outside of Colombia/Venezuela, as it might not be understood. |
| Huevos a la mexicana | Mexico | Scrambled eggs with tomato, onion, and chili. | If you don't like spicy food or are outside Mexico. |
| Revoltillo de huevos | Caribbean | Another name for scrambled eggs, great for sounding local. | No need to avoid, but 'revueltos' is more common elsewhere. |
📈Difficulty Level
The 'h' in 'huevos' is silent ('WEH-vohs'), and the rolled 'rr' sound in 'revueltos' can be a small challenge for beginners.
It's a simple noun phrase. The adjective 'revueltos' just has to match the noun 'huevos' in gender and number (masculine, plural), which it always does in this set phrase.
The main nuance is knowing that in some regions, 'scrambled eggs' automatically includes vegetables. Otherwise, it's a very straightforward concept.
Key Challenges:
- Remembering the regional names like 'pericos'
- Pronouncing 'huevos' and 'revueltos' correctly
💡Examples in Action
Para el desayuno, quiero unos huevos revueltos con tocino y pan tostado, por favor.
For breakfast, I'd like some scrambled eggs with bacon and toast, please.
En Colombia, mi desayuno favorito son los huevos pericos con una arepa caliente.
In Colombia, my favorite breakfast is 'huevos pericos' with a hot arepa.
¿Los huevos a la mexicana pican mucho?
Are the 'huevos a la mexicana' very spicy?
Mamá, ¿puedes hacerme huevos revueltos con queso para cenar?
Mom, can you make me scrambled eggs with cheese for dinner?
🌍Cultural Context
More Than Just Eggs
In many Latin American countries, 'scrambled eggs' aren't just plain eggs. They often come standard with a savory base of finely chopped tomato and onion called 'hogao' or 'sofrito'. If you want plain eggs, you might need to specify 'huevos revueltos solos' (plain) or 'sin verduras' (without vegetables).
The Colors of the Flag
'Huevos a la mexicana' is named for its ingredients that represent the colors of the Mexican flag: red (tomato), white (onion), and green (chili pepper). It's a point of national pride and a delicious, ubiquitous breakfast option all over Mexico.
Not Just for Breakfast in Spain
While scrambled eggs are a breakfast classic in the Americas, in Spain, 'revueltos' are very commonly served as a 'ración' (larger portion) or 'tapa' for lunch or a light dinner. They are often mixed with gourmet ingredients like wild mushrooms, asparagus, shrimp, or cured ham.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Revueltos' with 'Rotos'
Mistake: "Ordering 'huevos rotos' when you want scrambled eggs."
Correction: Order 'huevos revueltos'.
Pronouncing 'Huevo'
Mistake: "Pronouncing the 'h' or saying 'hyoo-ay-vo'."
Correction: The 'h' is silent. It's pronounced 'WEH-vo'.
Using the Verb Incorrectly
Mistake: "Saying 'Yo quiero revolver huevos'."
Correction: Saying 'Yo quiero huevos revueltos'.
💡Pro Tips
Customize Your Eggs
It's very easy to ask for additions. Just use 'con' (with). For example: 'huevos revueltos con queso' (with cheese), 'con jamón' (with ham), or 'con champiñones' (with mushrooms).
Specify How You Like Them
If you have a preference for texture, you can specify it. 'Bien cocidos' or 'secos' means well-done or dry. 'Tiernos' or 'cremosos' means soft or creamy.
The Universal Safe Bet
If you're ever unsure of the regional term, just say 'huevos revueltos'. It will be understood in every single Spanish-speaking country, from Madrid to Mexico City to Buenos Aires.
🗺️Regional Variations
Mexico
Scrambled eggs are a cornerstone of Mexican breakfast. They are often served with refried beans, tortillas, and salsa. 'Huevos a la mexicana' is incredibly popular. You can also get them with 'machaca' (dried, shredded beef) in the north.
Spain
While available for breakfast in hotels, 'revueltos' are more commonly a tapa or light meal for lunch or dinner. They are often more sophisticated, featuring ingredients like wild asparagus, shrimp, salmon, or 'morcilla' (blood sausage).
Colombia
'Huevos pericos' (with tomato and scallions/onions) are the default. They are almost always served with an 'arepa' (a corn cake). It's a very common, everyday breakfast for all social classes.
Argentina
Breakfast in Argentina is typically very light, often just coffee with 'medialunas' or 'tostadas'. 'Huevos revueltos' are not a common daily breakfast at home but are standard in hotels and American-style brunch cafes.
💬What Comes Next?
After you order 'huevos revueltos'
¿Con qué los quiere acompañar?
What would you like with them?
Con tocino y pan tostado, por favor.
With bacon and toast, please.
The waiter is taking your full breakfast order
¿Y para tomar?
And to drink?
Un café con leche y un jugo de naranja.
A coffee with milk and an orange juice.
A friend cooked for you
¿Te gustaron los huevos?
Did you like the eggs?
¡Sí, estaban deliciosos! Gracias.
Yes, they were delicious! Thank you.
🧠Memory Tricks
The connection between the English word 'revolt' and the Spanish 'revueltos' can help you remember the 'mixed up' meaning.
🔄How It Differs from English
The biggest difference from the typical American or British approach is the common inclusion of vegetables. In much of Latin America, scrambled eggs are assumed to contain a base of cooked tomato and onion, making them a more savory, complete dish. In contrast, in English-speaking cultures, scrambled eggs are typically plain by default, with additions being optional extras.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: While both are egg dishes, an omelette involves cooking the eggs without stirring and folding them around fillings. Scrambled eggs are stirred continuously. The Spanish words are also distinct: 'tortilla' (in Spain) or 'omelet' vs. 'huevos revueltos'.
Use instead: Use 'huevos revueltos' for scrambled eggs. Use 'tortilla francesa' (in Spain) or 'omelet' for an omelette.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say fried egg
It's another very common way to order eggs for breakfast.
How to say toast
Toast ('pan tostado') is a common accompaniment for eggs.
How to order coffee
Coffee is the most essential part of breakfast in most Spanish-speaking countries.
I would like...
Learning the polite phrase 'Quisiera...' is key to ordering any food in a restaurant.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: scrambled eggs
Question 1 of 3
You're in a cafe in Bogotá, Colombia, and want scrambled eggs with tomato and onion. What should you order?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'huevos revueltos' and 'huevos pericos'?
'Huevos revueltos' is the universal term for plain scrambled eggs. 'Huevos pericos' is a specific regional term from Colombia and Venezuela that means scrambled eggs cooked with a mix of chopped tomato and onion or scallions.
How do I order scrambled eggs with cheese in Spanish?
It's very simple! Just add 'con queso' (with cheese) to your order. You would say, 'Quisiera huevos revueltos con queso, por favor.'
Are scrambled eggs only a breakfast food in Spanish-speaking countries?
Not everywhere. In the Americas, they are predominantly a breakfast food. However, in Spain, 'revueltos' are very popular as a tapa or light meal for lunch or dinner, often mixed with ingredients like shrimp, asparagus, or cured ham.
How do you pronounce 'huevos' correctly?
The 'h' is silent, and the 'ue' makes a 'we' sound. So, it's pronounced 'WEH-vohs'. For the plural, it sounds almost identical. Avoid saying 'HWAY-vose' or 'HYOO-vos'.
What's the difference between a 'tortilla' in Spain and Mexico?
This is a very important distinction! In Spain, 'tortilla' refers to an omelette, like the famous 'tortilla española' made with potatoes and onions. In Mexico and most of Latin America, a 'tortilla' is a thin, round flatbread made from corn or wheat.
If I just say 'huevos' at a restaurant, what will I get?
Just saying 'huevos' (eggs) is too general. The waiter will almost certainly ask '¿Cómo los quiere?' (How do you want them?). You'll need to specify 'revueltos' (scrambled), 'fritos' (fried), 'cocidos' (boiled), etc.
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