Spanish Vocabulary for Food & Drinks

(Sección de) bebidas is a Spanish term that translates to '(section of) beverages' in English. This term is commonly seen in grocery stores, restaurants, or menus, where different types of drinks or liquid refreshments are grouped or categorized. In such contexts, this Spanish term refers to the area or section where various kinds of beverages like soft drinks, juices, alcoholic drinks, and more, are located or listed for selection.

(sección de) congelados in Spanish refers to the section in a store where frozen goods are kept. This could include various items like frozen vegetables, frozen meat, frozen meals, ice creams, and many more. As the name suggests, all products in this area are kept at a freezing temperature to maintain their freshness until they're ready for use. This term directly translates to '(section of) frozen' in English.

(Sección de) lácteos refers to the portion or section of a store or market where dairy products are sold. Dairy products are mainly derived from milk and include items such as cheese, butter, yogurt, and milk itself. This term is widely used in supermarkets and grocery stores.

'A granel' is a Spanish phrase used to describe a method of selling goods where the items are not pre-packaged but instead are sold in bulk or in loose quantity. This can be used for items such as grains, nuts, spices, or other products that can be measured or weighed. For example, you might buy rice 'a granel' at a grocery store, meaning you would scoop the amount you want out of a large container, weigh it, and then pay based on the weight of the goods rather than buying a pre-packaged amount.

The Spanish word 'abrebotellas' is a noun translated in English as 'bottle opener'. It is a tool used to remove metal caps from bottles, typically glass bottles containing liquids such as soda or beer. The word 'abrebotellas' can be broken down into two parts: 'abre', which means 'open', and 'botellas', which means 'bottles'. So, when combined, 'abrebotellas' literally means 'opens bottles'.

The Spanish phrase 'abrir el apetito' literally translates to 'open the appetite' in English. However, idiomatic use is closer to 'whet one's appetite'. It can be used when referring to sparking interest or excitement. For example, tasting a small amount of a delicious dish might 'abrir el apetito' before a meal, preparing you to enjoy the rest of the meal with an increased appetite.

The Spanish phrase 'abrir una botella' translates to 'open a bottle' in English. It is used when someone wants to express the action of uncorking or unsealing a bottle. This phrase could be used in various contexts, such as asking someone to 'open a bottle' of wine or soda.

The Spanish word 'aceite' translates to 'oil' in English. In the context of cooking, 'aceite' is used to refer to a variety of oils used in food preparation, such as 'aceite de oliva' meaning 'olive oil'. 'Aceite' can also be used in a non-culinary context to refer to oils used in other areas like machinery and automobiles, similar to how 'oil' is used in English.

The Spanish term 'aceite de girasol' translates to 'sunflower oil' in English. It refers to an oil extracted from the seeds of sunflowers. This oil is commonly used in cooking due to its light flavor and frying performance. Not only is it used in food preparation, but it also has applications in cosmetic formulations as well.

The Spanish phrase 'aceite de oliva' directly translates to 'olive oil' in English. Olive oil is a liquid obtained from olives, a traditional tree crop of the Mediterranean Basin. It is commonly used in cooking, for frying foods or as a salad dressing. In Spain, aceite de oliva is a key ingredient in their cuisine and a staple in every home.

The Spanish word 'acelgas' translates to 'chard' in English. Chard is a type of leafy green vegetable that is commonly used in various types of dishes. It is known for its bright green leaves and often colorful stems. The word 'acelgas' is a noun in Spanish, and it is typically feminine and plural in usage. Similar to other types of vegetables and plants, the word 'acelgas' does not require a direct article when used in general conversation. However, when referring to a specific bunch or variety of chard, the appropriate article may be used.

The Spanish word 'acidez' translates into English as 'acidity'. It is a noun that derives from the Latin word 'aciditas'. The word 'acidez' is used in various contexts, not only in chemistry to denote a particular property of certain substances, but also in gastronomy to describe the sour taste derived from acidic foods or beverages. Furthermore, it can be used metaphorically to refer to the sharpness or harshness of comments or situations.

The Spanish word 'adobar' translates to 'to marinate' in English. It refers to the process of soaking foods in a sauce, such as vinegar or wine, along with varying mixtures of herbs, spices and oils to enhance the flavor before cooking. It is commonly used in cooking terminology.

'Agua' is a noun in Spanish that translates to water in English. It refers to the clear drinkable liquid that is essential for most plant and animal life.

The Spanish phrase 'agua (mineral) con gas' directly translates to 'water (mineral) with gas' in English. This phrase is commonly used to refer to carbonated or sparkling water, a refreshing beverage often served in restaurants or consumed as a softer alternative to soda. The '(mineral)' part indicates that the water comes from a mineral spring, and 'con gas' represents the added carbonation.

The Spanish term 'agua (mineral) sin gas' translates to 'water (mineral) without gas' in English. This is a common term used in Spanish-speaking regions to refer to still or non-carbonated mineral water. Mineral water is water from a mineral spring that contains various minerals, such as salts and sulfur compounds. The 'sin gas' part indicates that this mineral water is not carbonated or fizzy. This is the type of water that you would typically get if you ask for water in a restaurant and specify that you don't want it to be sparkling or carbonated.

The Spanish phrase 'agua del grifo' translates to 'tap water' in English. It can refer to running water that you get directly from your kitchen or bathroom taps. This term is used in many Spanish speaking countries to indicate regular household water that is supplied by city or municipal sources. It is traditionally deemed safe for consumption, although it can vary depending on specific regional infrastructure and water treatment.

The term 'agua potable' in Spanish refers to the water that is safe to consume by humans, i.e., drinking water. This water undergoes various treatments to remove harmful substances and pathogens to make it safe for human consumption. It is essential to life and is used for drinking, cooking, and other domestic uses. This water can come from different sources such as springs, wells, or it can be supplied by the city. The quality and availability of potable water can widely vary in different parts of the world.

The Spanish word 'ahumado' translates to 'smoked' in English. It is most commonly used to describe foods such as meats or cheeses that have been treated with smoke, a process typically employed to add flavor, cook, or preserve the food. Contextually, it can also be used to describe things like colors or materials that have a smoky quality to them.

The word 'ahumar' in Spanish is a verb that translates to 'to smoke' in English. It is used mainly in the context of food preparation, where 'ahumar' means to subject the food to smoke or fumes, usually in a controlled setting like a smoker, in order to add a specific flavor. A more common usage would be 'ahumar el salmón', which means 'to smoke the salmon'. It is worth noting, however, that 'ahumar' does not refer to smoke derived from cigarettes or other similar items for smoking.

The Spanish word 'ajo' translates to 'garlic' in English. This word is commonly used in conversational and written Spanish, and it refers to a popular ingredient in a wide variety of traditional Spanish dishes. Garlic, or 'ajo' in Spanish, is not just a food item, but also considered to be of medicinal value, often used in natural remedies. It is important to add to your vocabulary when learning Spanish, especially if you plan to interact in environments such as the supermarket or when discussing food.

'Al peso' is a Spanish phrase that translates directly to 'to the weight' in English. It is often used in the context of buying or selling goods, similar to the English phrase 'by the pound'. For example, in a market or grocery store, fruits, vegetables or other commodities might be sold 'al peso', meaning the price is determined by the weight of the items purchased.

The term 'alas de pavo' in Spanish is translated to English as 'turkey wings'. This is a phrase used to refer to the wings of a turkey, the large North American bird that is often the centerpiece of traditional holiday meals in the United States, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. The wings are also a popular food item outside of these holidays, often roasted, barbecued or used in soup recipes.

The Spanish term 'alas de pollo' translates to 'chicken wings' in English. 'Alas' means 'wings', and 'pollo' refers to 'chicken'. It's a common term used in Spanish-speaking regions to refer to a popular food item, particularly as a part of fast food menus or in traditional dishes.

Albahaca is a noun in Spanish that translates to 'basil' in English. It's commonly used to refer to a type of kitchen herb known for its distinctive aroma and green leaves, often used in cooking for seasoning and garnishing. Albahaca comes from the botanical family Lamiaceae and is used in a variety of cuisines around the world.

The Spanish phrase 'alimentación equilibrada' translates to 'balanced food' in English. This term signifies a well-rounded diet consisting of the right amount of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals required for optimal health and well-being. It suggests an approach to eating where all meals are arranged so that all necessary nutrients are proportionately consumed.

The Spanish term 'alimentación sana' translates into 'healthy diet' in English. This phrase is used to refer to a balanced diet containing a variety of foods in the right proportions. This includes consuming fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. A 'alimentación sana' aims to maintain or improve overall health, help body functions, and prevent diet-related diseases.

The Spanish term 'alimentar(se)' does not translate to 'food(s)' in English; instead, it is a verb that is most closely translated as 'to feed' or 'to nourish (oneself)'. It denotes the action of providing someone or oneself with food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition.

The Spanish term 'alimento bajo en azúcar' translates to 'low sugar food' in English. This is a nutritional description used to label and identify foods that contain minimal amounts of sugar. This term is frequenty used in dietary and health contexts, where sugar intake needs to be monitored or reduced. The individual words translate to 'alimento' (food), 'bajo' (low) and 'en azúcar' (in sugar).

The Spanish term 'alimento bajo en calorías' translates to 'low calorie food' in English. This is generally used to refer to foods that are nourishing but have a reduced energy value, which are often consumed by individuals wanting to lose weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle. These foods tend to be rich in fiber, protein, and other nutrients but are low in fats, sugars, and carbohydrates, the major sources of calories.