How to Say "to tenderize" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “to tenderize” is “ablandar” — B1 level.
Examples
Tienes que remojar los frijoles para ablandarlos.
You have to soak the beans to soften them.
El sol ablandó el asfalto de la carretera.
The sun softened the asphalt on the road.
Usa un mazo para ablandar la carne antes de cocinarla.
Use a mallet to tenderize the meat before cooking it.
Adding 'se' for Automatic Actions
If something softens on its own, add 'se' to the end: 'La mantequilla se ablanda' (The butter softens).
Direct Objects
This verb usually needs an object. If you don't say what you are softening, use 'lo' or 'la' to refer back to it.
Ablandar vs. Suavizar
Mistake: “Using 'suavizar' for hard beans.”
Correction: Use 'ablandar' for changing something from hard to soft, and 'suavizar' for making a surface feel smooth.
Related Translations
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