Today my SpanishDictionary.com word of the day was "aceituna," which I know translates to "olive," but I'm also aware of the Spanish word "oliva,"
which also means olive. I believe aceituna is Arabic in origin, whereas oliva is lifted straight from the Latin. I've heard both
words used interchangeably among Spanish speakers here in the U.S., but was wondering if there was a definite preference in Mexico, specifically Baja.chippy - 11-25-2023 at 02:29 PM
It's aceituna down here in old Mexico. I've never heard anyone use oliva but I have heard the word el olivo for the tree.pacificobob - 11-25-2023 at 03:37 PM
Fruit vs tree. Pescado vs pez...... IMHO
[Edited on 11-25-2023 by pacificobob]stillnbaja - 11-25-2023 at 04:27 PM
don't know but olive oil is aceite de oliva.pauldavidmena - 11-26-2023 at 08:26 AM
Hence my question! chippy - 11-26-2023 at 08:36 AM
Yes- like a cashew nut is called "nuez de India" but a cashew tree is marañon.
Likewise castaña is a chestnut, while castaño is a chestnut tree.pacificobob - 11-28-2023 at 12:53 PM
From the pantry
Skipjack Joe - 11-28-2023 at 11:25 PM
aceite is oil. oliva is an olive. surabi - 11-30-2023 at 11:26 PM
Yes, I think we all know aceite is oil. That isn't what this discussion is about. Aceituna means olive in Mexican Spanish.pauldavidmena - 12-1-2023 at 07:26 AM
And based on this image of olive oil from Andalucia, oliva is more widely used in Spain.
