A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Ceviche Spanish
Pronounce this popular Latin American seafood dish correctly: seh-BEE-chay.
ceviche spanish
seh-BEE-chay
/seˈbiʃeɪ/ · seh · bee · chay
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a popular topic in food blogs and travel shows focusing on South American cuisine.
Where the word comes from
The word 'ceviche' is believed to come from the Quechua word 'siwichi', meaning fresh fish. It was likely adapted into Spanish and spread throughout Latin America.
Common ways people get it wrong
- suh-VEE-chay Some English speakers might default to an 's' sound for 'c' before 'e', but in this case, it's a 'seh' sound.
- seh-VEE-chee The final 'e' in Spanish is typically pronounced like 'ay' in English, not 'ee'.
Frequently asked
What is ceviche made of?
Ceviche is typically made from raw fish or seafood marinated in citrus juices, like lime or lemon. It's often mixed with onions, cilantro, and chili peppers.
Is ceviche cooked?
While ceviche is not cooked with heat, the acid in the citrus juice denatures the proteins in the fish, effectively 'cooking' it chemically. The fish changes texture and color, becoming opaque.
