The word for main course in Spanish is "plato principal"

Plato principal is the standard term used across Spanish-speaking countries for the main course of a meal. "Plato" means plate or dish, and "principal" means main or primary. When you order at a restaurant or discuss meal structure in Spanish, this is the phrase you will hear and use most often.

In some regions, particularly in Spain, you may also hear segundo plato (literally "second plate"), which refers to the main course that comes after the first course. However, "plato principal" is more universally understood and works in any Spanish-speaking context, whether you are in Mexico, Argentina, Spain, or anywhere else.

Key Takeaways

  • The main course in Spanish is called "plato principal," with "plato" meaning dish and "principal" meaning main.
  • In Spain specifically, you may hear "segundo plato" used for the main course, but "plato principal" works everywhere.
  • When ordering at a restaurant, asking for "el plato principal" tells the server you want the main course options.
  • The pronunciation is "PLAH-toh preen-see-PAHL," with stress on the first syllable of plato and the second syllable of principal.

How to pronounce "plato principal"

Break the phrase into two parts. "Plato" is pronounced PLAH-toh, with the stress on the first syllable and a short "ah" sound. "Principal" is pronounced preen-see-PAHL, with the stress on the second syllable and a rolled or tapped "r" sound if you are speaking with a Spanish accent, though a regular "r" is understood everywhere.

If you are speaking with a Latin American accent, the "r" in principal will be softer than in Spain. Either way, native speakers will understand you. The key is to stress the right syllables: PLAH-toh preen-see-PAHL.

Using "plato principal" when ordering at a restaurant

When you sit down at a Spanish-language restaurant and want to know what main courses are available, you can ask the server: "¿Cuáles son los platos principales?" (What are the main courses?). The plural form "platos principales" is used when referring to multiple dishes on the menu.

If you are ready to order and want to tell the server which main course you have chosen, you say: "Voy a tomar el plato principal de..." and then name the dish. For example: "Voy a tomar el plato principal de pollo" (I will have the main course of chicken). You can also straightforward point and say "Este plato principal, por favor" (This main course, please).

Regional variations you might encounter

In Spain, particularly in formal dining settings, segundo plato is still used to describe the main course because of the traditional three-course meal structure: primer plato (first course, usually soup or salad), segundo plato (main course), and postre (dessert). However, "plato principal" is also correct and increasingly common in Spain.

In Mexico and Central America, "plato principal" is the standard term with no regional alternative. In Argentina and other South American countries, "plato principal" is also the norm. You will not go wrong using "plato principal" anywhere in the Spanish-speaking world.

Related meal course terms in Spanish

Understanding the names of other courses helps you navigate a full Spanish meal. The primer plato or entrada is the first course or appetizer. The plato principal is the main course. Postre is dessert. Bebidas refers to drinks.

Some menus also list acompañamientos (side dishes) separately from the main course. If you see "plato fuerte" on a menu, that means a hearty or substantial dish, often used interchangeably with "plato principal" in some regions. These terms are less formal but you may encounter them.

How meal structure differs across Spanish-speaking countries

The number and order of courses varies by country and by restaurant type. In Spain, a traditional lunch or dinner includes three courses: starter, main, and dessert. In Mexico and Central America, meals often follow a similar pattern, though the main course is typically larger and more filling.

In Argentina and other South American countries, the main course is often the centerpiece of the meal, with lighter appetizers and sides. Regardless of the structure, "plato principal" always refers to the largest and most substantial dish served during that meal. When you order, you are ordering the dish that will be the focus of your plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is "plato principal" used the same way in all Spanish-speaking countries?

Yes. "Plato principal" is understood and used in Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and every other Spanish-speaking country. It is the safest and most universal term. "Segundo plato" is mainly a Spain-specific alternative, but "plato principal" works everywhere.

What is the difference between "plato principal" and "segundo plato"?

"Plato principal" means main course and is used everywhere. "Segundo plato" literally means second plate and refers to the main course in the traditional Spanish three-course meal structure. Both refer to the same thing, but "plato principal" is more modern and universally understood.

Can I use "plato fuerte" instead of "plato principal"?

"Plato fuerte" means hearty or strong dish and is sometimes used for the main course, particularly in Mexico and Central America. It is less formal than "plato principal" but will be understood. For clarity and formality, "plato principal" is the better choice.

How do I ask a server what the main course options are?

Ask: "¿Cuáles son los platos principales?" (What are the main courses?) or "¿Qué platos principales tienen?" (What main courses do you have?). Either phrasing will get you a list of the restaurant's main course options.