Inklingo

How to Say "hot dog" in Spanish

English → Spanish

perrito

peh-RREE-toh/peˈrito/

nounA2informal
Use 'perrito' when referring to the entire hot dog sandwich, including the bun and any toppings.
A single hot dog in a bun, topped with yellow mustard and red ketchup.

Examples

¿Me puedes dar un perrito con mucha mostaza, por favor?

Can you give me a hot dog with a lot of mustard, please?

Compramos unos perritos en el puesto de la esquina.

We bought some hot dogs at the corner stand.

Food Naming

It’s common for Spanish speakers to use animal names (often diminutives) for food items, like 'perrito' (hot dog) or 'pulpo' (octopus). Context usually makes the meaning clear!

salchicha

sahl-CHEE-chah/salˈtʃi.tʃa/

nounA1
Use 'salchicha' specifically when talking about the sausage link itself, whether it's part of a hot dog or served separately.
A single, plump, cooked sausage link with a bright reddish-brown casing, displayed against a plain background.

Examples

Quiero dos salchichas en mi plato, por favor.

I want two sausages on my plate, please.

Compramos pan para hacer perros calientes con salchichas.

We bought bread to make hot dogs with sausages.

La salchicha de desayuno es muy popular en este hotel.

The breakfast sausage is very popular in this hotel.

Gender Rule

Since 'salchicha' ends in '-a', it is a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' (the) or 'una' (a) before it.

Mixing up sausage types

Mistake: “Using 'salchicha' when you mean 'chorizo'.”

Correction: While 'salchicha' is generic sausage, 'chorizo' is usually a specific, often spicy, cured sausage. Ask if the sausage is 'dulce' (sweet/mild) or 'picante' (spicy).

Perrito vs. Salchicha

The most common mistake is using 'salchicha' when you mean the whole hot dog sandwich. Remember, 'salchicha' is just the sausage, while 'perrito' refers to the complete 'hot dog' as a food item.

Related Translations

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