Spanish Vocabulary for Food & Drinks
Learn common Spanish words and phrases related to Food & Drinks to expand your language skills.
kilo de patatas
kilo of potatoes
The term 'kilo de patatas' in Spanish translates to 'kilo of potatoes' in English. This term is commonly used in grocery shopping, indicating a weight measure for potatoes. 'Kilo' is a metric unit of measurement equivalent to 1000 grams, similar to a kilogram in English. 'Patatas' is the Spanish word for 'potatoes', a type of starchy vegetable that is widely used in cooking in different cultures.
kiwi
kiwi
The Spanish word 'kiwi' translates to 'kiwi' in English. The word refers to the kiwi fruit, a small brown-skinned fruit with bright green flesh and tiny black seeds. It's also known for its distinctive sweet-tart flavor. The term 'kiwi' can also refer to a flightless bird native to New Zealand, or a colloquial term for a New Zealander.
lamentar
regret
The Spanish word 'lamentar' translates to 'regret' in English. It is a verb often used to express a feeling of sadness, repentance, or disappointment over something that has happened or been done, especially a loss or missed opportunity. For instance, if someone missed an event, they might say, 'lamento haberlo perdido', which means, 'I regret missing it'.
langosta
lobster
The Spanish word 'langosta' translates to 'lobster' in English. It is a term used to identify a variety of marine crustaceans with a hard shell, large claws and are generally considered a delicacy in many cuisines around the world. The term 'langosta' can also be used colloquially in Spanish to refer to a shade of the color red, resembling the color of a cooked lobster.
langostino
shrimp
The Spanish word 'langostino' translates to 'shrimp' in English. They are a type of seafood that play a crucial role in many cuisines around the world. Shrimps are small, elusive, and primarily aquatic crustaceans. 'Langostino' or 'shrimp' are typically served in varied dishes, from salads to tacos, pasta, and more. They are also often cooked in a variety of ways - boiled, grilled, deep-fried, or sauteed.
lata
tin
The Spanish word 'lata' translates into English as 'tin'. 'Lata' is a common word in Spanish and is primarily used in the context of materials or containers. For instance, it can be used to refer to a tin can ('una lata de sopa' - a tin of soup). While 'lata' typically refers to the metal in English, in Spanish, it can also mean 'annoyance' or 'nuisance' in informal settings. Like most words, the exact meaning of 'lata' depends on the context it's used in.
lata de atún
can of tuna
The Spanish phrase 'lata de atún' translates to 'can of tuna' in English. This is a combination of three words: 'lata' meaning can, 'de' meaning of, and 'atún' meaning tuna. So put together, 'lata de atún' represents a convenient, oftentimes pre-cooked, seafood product that is stored in a can. Tuna is a popular type of fish with a distinctly meaty texture, and when contained in a can, it can be preserved for a long time. Therefore, 'lata de atún' may be found in many kitchens, stores, or supermarkets.
lata de tomate
tomato can
The Spanish term 'lata de tomate' translates to 'tomato can' in English. 'Lata de tomate' is a phrase composed of two words: 'lata' and 'tomate.' The word 'lata' in this context refers to a can, a common type of packaging for food and drink products. 'Tomate' is the Spanish word for tomato, a round, red fruit that's often used in cooking. When combined, these words refer to a can of tomato, which might contain whole tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, or tomato paste. These canned tomatoes are a staple item in many kitchens, used in a variety of dishes such as stews, soups, and sauces.
leche
milk
'Leche' translates to 'milk' in English. From a glass of warm milk for breakfast to the use in different recipes, milk is an everyday item in Spanish-speaking cultures.
Example sentences with leche →leche condensada
Condensed milk
Leche condensada, commonly known as condensed milk in English, is a type of dairy product made by evaporating the water content from milk. The result is a thick, sweet substance which is often used in baking, dessert recipes and in beverages across many cultures around the world. The process of condensation involves reducing raw milk to about a third of its original volume, ultimately concentrating the nutrients, especially protein and fat. It is often canned and can be preserved for a long period of time due to its low moisture content.
leche descremada
dairy milk
The Spanish term 'leche descremada' refers to a type of milk that has had the majority of its fat content removed. In English, this is usually referred to as 'skim milk' or 'non-fat milk'. It is a common choice among individuals who are seeking to limit their intake of fat and calories, or who simply prefer the taste and texture of non-fat milk. Besides, it is used in the same way as whole milk in cooking and baking, and can even be used to lighten coffee or tea.
leche desnatada
skim milk
The term 'leche desnatada' is a Spanish term that translates to 'skim milk' in English. It refers to milk from which the cream or fat has been removed. Skim milk is often used in diets as a low-calorie substitute for whole milk. It provides almost all of the same nutrients as whole milk but with significantly fewer calories and less fat. 'Leche desnatada' is often found in recipes, supermarkets, and on menus in Spanish-speaking regions.
leche en polvo
milk powder
The Spanish phrase 'leche en polvo' directly translates to 'milk in powder' in English, which is commonly referred to as 'milk powder'. Milk powder is a product that is created by evaporating milk to complete dryness. It is often used in baking and confectionery production, and it is also a convenient and popular choice for those who do not have ready access to fresh milk.
leche entera
whole milk
The Spanish term 'leche entera' translates to 'whole milk' in English. This is a type of milk from which no constituent (such as fat) has been removed, and is generally rich and creamy. This is contrasted to other types of milk such as skimmed milk or semi-skimmed milk, where some or all of the fat content has been removed. 'Leche entera' is commonly found in supermarkets and is used in a variety of dishes due to its full-bodied flavor and nutrient-rich content.
lechuga
lettuce
Lechuga is a noun in Spanish language which translates to 'lettuce' in English. It's a type of vegetable which is widely used in salads and other dishes. In Spanish speaking countries, it's commonly found in local markets and it's important in their daily diet.
legumbres
legumes
The Spanish term 'legumbres' is translated as 'legumes' in English. Legumes are a group of plants that produce a pod with seeds inside. They include beans, peas, lentils, and peanuts, among others. In many countries, legumes are a significant source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Apart from their nutritional values, they are also crucial to agriculture because of their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility.
lentejas
lentils
The Spanish word 'lentejas' refers to a kind of legume that is often used in various dishes. This legume is known as 'lentils' in English. Lentils are small, flat and usually have a green or brown color. They are high in protein and fiber, making them a staple in many diets around the world, including Spain. Lentils are used in a wide variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and side dishes.
levadura
yeast
The Spanish word 'levadura' translates to 'yeast' in English. Yeast is a type of fungus that is used in baking and brewing due to its ability to ferment sugar and produce alcohol and carbon dioxide. Its role in baking is to help dough rise and grow, giving bread its fluffy and soft texture. In brewing, yeast converts sugar into alcohol, thereby producing beer or wine.
lichi
lychee
The word 'lichi' in Spanish represents the term 'lychee' in English. This word relates to a specific tropical fruit, which is native to China. This fruit is known for its bright red exterior, which is rough in texture, and covers a sweet, luscious white flesh inside. This delectable fruit is widely used in various cuisines worldwide, especially in desserts and beverages due to its unique sweet flavor and pleasant aroma. Thus, when you encounter the term 'lichi' in Spanish texts, it's certainly referring to the delightful lychee fruit in English context.
litro de agua
litre of water
The Spanish phrase 'litro de agua' translates into English as 'litre of water'. It is used to measure the volume of liquid, particularly water, in the metric system. A 'litro' is equivalent to the measurement of a litre in English, and 'agua' is the Spanish word for water. This phrase is commonly used in everyday contexts, such as grocery shopping or cooking, where quantities of liquids are discussed.
litro de leche
litre of milk
The phrase 'litro de leche' in Spanish directly translates to 'litre of milk' in English. It is a common phrase in Spanish-speaking countries, often used in everyday conversation, especially in the domain of shopping or cooking. A 'litre' is a unit of measurement used to measure the volume of liquids and 'leche' means milk which is a standard dairy product. Thus, 'litro de leche' is typically indicating the quantity of milk in terms of litres.
llevar arroz
bring rice
The Spanish phrase 'llevar arroz' translates to 'bring rice' in English. It can be used when someone is tasked with bringing rice, perhaps to a meal or event. The verb 'llevar' is frequently used in Spanish to denote the act of carrying or bringing something from one place to another, while 'arroz' is the Spanish word for rice. Therefore, 'llevar arroz' literally means to carry or bring rice.
llevar el pedido
carry the order
The phrase 'llevar el pedido' in Spanish translates to 'carry the order' in English. It is often used in restaurant or retail contexts where orders are being taken and delivered to customers. It can refer to both the physical act of carrying an item (like a waiter bringing food to a table), as well as the responsibility of seeing a task through to completion (like making sure a customer's request is fulfilled).
Example sentences with llevar el pedido →llevar salsa
carry sauce
The Spanish phrase 'llevar salsa' translates to 'carry sauce' in English. This phrase is often used in the context of food and dining where the action of carrying sauce or seasonings is involved, typically in a restaurant or similar setting. It may be used to instruct someone to bring the sauce to the table for a meal. However, it could also be used in a more metaphorical sense, referring to adding flavor or spice to a situation.
lomo
loin
The Spanish word 'lomo' directly translates to 'loin' in English. It is primarily used in a culinary context and refers to a cut of meat from the area alongside the backbone of an animal. By understanding 'lomo', you will be better equipped to handle food-related conversations and understand menus in Spanish. Remember, Spanish pronunciation emphasizes vowels, so 'lo-mo' is pronounced with strong 'o' sounds.
loncha de jamón
ham slice
The term 'loncha de jamón' in Spanish translates to 'ham slice' in English. It refers to a thin piece of ham which is typically used in various dishes, sandwiches or for direct consumption. This is a common term used in Spanish-speaking countries and one will often find it in supermarkets, delis, or on menus in these regions.
loncha de queso
cheese slice
The Spanish phrase 'loncha de queso' directly translates to 'slice of cheese' in English. This phrase is typically used in the context of food and cuisine. It would often be used when discussing ingredients, or in situations like ordering a sandwich in a Spanish-speaking place.
macedonia de frutas
fruit salad
The Spanish phrase 'macedonia de frutas' translates into English as 'fruit salad'. This term generally refers to a dish made up of a variety of different fruits, often served in a syrup or their own juices. 'Macedonia de frutas' is a popular dessert or snack in Spanish-speaking countries, and it is known for its vibrant colors and fresh, sweet flavor. This dish is as diverse as the fruits that compose it, opening up infinite possibilities according to the choice or seasonality of the fruits.
magdalena
muffin
The Spanish word 'magdalena' translates to the English word 'muffin'. These are small baked goods that can be sweet or savory. They are similar to cupcakes in size and cooking methods, and typically are served for breakfast. However, 'magdalena' typically refers to a sweet variety of muffin.
magro de cerdo
lean pork
The Spanish term 'magro de cerdo' is translated into English as 'lean pork'. This refers to pieces of pork meat that have been trimmed to remove most of the fat content. 'Magro de cerdo' is therefore a healthier type of pork that is often used in a variety of different dishes due to its lower calorie and fat content compared to regular pork.