Cancha

Cancha is a Spanish term with multiple meanings that vary by region and context. Its etymology traces to the Quechua word kancha, meaning an enclosed space, courtyard, or compound, a sense that broadened in modern Spanish to include sports fields and courts as well as open areas.

As a sports and recreation term, cancha commonly refers to a playing field or court for a particular sport. In many Latin American countries you will hear phrases like la cancha de fútbol, la cancha de baloncesto, or la cancha de tenis to denote both the surface and the venue used for those activities. The word can be used to describe the area where games are held as well as the facility itself, including the surrounding stands and amenities.

As a food term, cancha refers to a toasted or fried corn snack popular in Peru and some Andean regions. Cancha consists of dried corn kernels, typically chulpe variety, that are roasted in oil until crisp. It is usually salted and served as an appetizer or accompaniment to meals, and is a common element in Peruvian cuisine. Cancha may appear in soups, stews, or alongside various dishes to add texture and flavor.

Regional usage defines the meaning in everyday speech; cancha can describe a sports field or court, or a culinary snack, depending on the country and context.