Spanish Vocabulary for Food & Drinks
Learn common Spanish words and phrases related to Food & Drinks to expand your language skills.
magro de ternera
veal wizard
The term 'magro de ternera' does not translate to 'veal wizard' in English. Instead, it translates to 'veal lean' or 'lean veal', referring to a cut of meat that comes from a young cow, known as a calf, and is particularly low in fat. This term often appears in cooking and culinary contexts, as 'magro de ternera' is a popular ingredient in many Spanish dishes due to its tender texture and mild flavor.
manipular un alimento
manipulate a food
The term 'manipular un alimento' in Spanish translates to 'manipulate a food' in English. It usually refers to the physical handling or modification of food for a variety of purposes like preparation, cooking, or presentation, among others. It is vital in culinary practices, food safety and hygiene transactions.
mantequilla
butter
The Spanish word 'mantequilla' translates to 'butter' in English. This is a noun typically used to refer to a yellowish or whitish emulsion of butterfat, water, and air, churned from milk or cream and used in cooking or as a spread or topping. In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it's frequently used in various recipes or served with bread.
manzana
apple
'Manzana' is the Spanish word for 'apple'. It's a significant term in Spanish, as apples constitute a common and popular fruit in many Spanish-speaking countries.
Example sentences with manzana →maracuyá
passionfruit
The Spanish word 'maracuyá' translates to 'passionfruit' in English. It is a tropical fruit that's native to South America. It is known for its sweet, somewhat tart flavor, vibrant color, and the seed-filled pulp inside. The word 'maracuyá' is mostly used in Latin America while in Spain it is commonly referred to as 'fruta de la pasión'.
margarina
margarine
The Spanish word 'margarina' is translated into English as 'margarine'. Margarine is a spread made from vegetable fats and is often used as an alternative to butter in cooking and baking. Originating from France in the mid-19th century, it has since gained global popularity due to its lower cost and perceived health benefits. The word 'margarina' carries the same meaning in the context of Spanish language and culture.
marisco
seafood
The word 'marisco' in Spanish translates to 'seafood' in English. This term is used to describe various kinds of ocean life that are consumed as food. This includes shellfish, crustaceans, and fish. Popular types of 'mariscos' include shrimp ('gambas'), lobster ('langosta'), and clams ('almejas'). This is a common word used in culinary contexts, particularly relevant in coastal regions where seafood is a staple part of the diet.
mate
mate.
The word 'mate' in Spanish refers to a traditional South American drink made from steeping yerba mate leaves in hot water. It is also a social activity, as it is often shared amongst a group of people. The word 'mate' is also used in Chile and Argentina to refer to a friend or mate, similar to 'buddy' or 'pal' in English. Additionally, 'mate' can mean 'I killed' in a more formal or literary context. Its meaning depends on the context in which it is used.
mayonesa
mayonnaise
The Spanish word 'mayonesa' translates to 'mayonnaise' in English. Mayonnaise is a thick, creamy dressing often used in salads and sandwiches, and as a condiment. It is typically made from oil, egg yolks, and either vinegar or lemon juice, with other seasonings added according to taste.
medio kilo
half a kilo
The Spanish term 'medio kilo' translates to 'half a kilo' in English. It is a unit of measure used in Spanish-speaking countries to weight and is especially prevalent in markets and stores. Kilo is short for kilogram, a metric unit of weight, and medio signifies half. Therefore, 'medio kilo' is the equivalent of 500 grams in English.
mejillón
mussel
The Spanish word 'mejillón' translates to 'mussel' in English. Mussels are a type of shellfish that can be found in both fresh water and salt water environments. They are widely used in cooking and are often served steamed, boiled, or fried in various cuisines around the world.
melón
melon
A melon is any of various plants of the family Cucurbitaceae with sweet, edible, and fleshy fruit. The melon from a botanical point of view is a simple berry, like a grape.
Example sentences with melón →merengue
meringue
Merengue is a term in Spanish that refers to a type of dessert made from whipped egg whites and sugar. This sweet treat is known for its light, airy texture and crisp exterior. Often used as a topping for pies or made into cookies, 'merengue' is a common dessert found in many Spanish-speaking countries. It can also refer to a style of music and dance originating in the Dominican Republic.
merienda
snack
The Spanish word 'merienda' refers to a light meal that people often have in the afternoon, similar to what is commonly known as a 'snack' in English. It could comprise a variety of food items, from sandwiches to fruits, pastries, or beverages. The concept of 'merienda' extends beyond just the food, it's also seen as a social opportunity to spend time with friends or family.
modo de preparación
preparation mode
The Spanish phrase 'modo de preparación' translates to 'preparation mode' in English. It typically refers to the method or way in which something, often a meal or beverage, is prepared or made ready. This phrase can be found in cooking instructions and recipes, where different preparation modes could involve boiling, frying, baking, etc. It is often used in contexts where specific methods of preparation can significantly affect the outcome or result, such as taste and presentation in food or functional efficiency in non-edible items.
moler el café
grind the coffee
The Spanish phrase 'moler el café' translates to 'grind the coffee' in English. This phrase is a directive command often used in the process of brewing coffee, where the coffee beans are ground into finer particles before brewing. The action of 'moler' or 'grinding' in this sense, suggests to mechanically break down the coffee beans using a grinder or a similar appliance. 'El café' directly translates to 'the coffee', referring to the coffee beans that are to be ground.
moler el trigo
grind the wheat
The Spanish phrase 'moler el trigo' translates to 'grind the wheat' in English. In agriculture, grinding wheat refers to the process of breaking down the wheat grains into flour, a staple ingredient in many foods. The phrase may be used literally in the context of making food, or metaphorically to signify hard labor or meticulous effort.
mora
blackberry
Blackberries are versatile fruits, commonly used in desserts, jams, seedless jelly, and sometimes wine. They are high in fiber and vitamin C.
Example sentences with mora →mortadela
mortadella
The Spanish word 'mortadela' translates to 'mortadella' in English. Mortadella is a type of Italian sausage made of finely hashed or ground, heat-cured pork. It originated in Bologna, Italy. In Spain, it's a popular food that often appears in sandwiches and charcuterie boards. This sausage usually has a distinctive flavor, given by the addition of various spices and herbs. It can be served sliced thin for sandwiches or used as a part of an antipasto platter.
mostaza
mustard
The Spanish word 'mostaza' translates to 'mustard' in English. It is a typically yellow condiment commonly used in various cuisines worldwide especially in sandwiches, hot dogs, and salads. The English equivalent, 'mustard', is derived from similar vintage culinary use symbolizing the spiciness of this condiment.
muslos de pavo
turkey thighs
The Spanish phrase 'muslos de pavo' refers to the specific part of a bird's body known as the thighs. In English, this phrase can be translated as 'turkey thighs'. This term is commonly used in culinary contexts when referring to particular cuts of meat from a turkey. The thighs are considered dark meat, and are often cooked separately in various meals and recipes due to their rich flavor and tender texture when cooked.
muslos de pollo
chicken thighs
The Spanish phrase 'muslos de pollo' translates to 'chicken thighs' in English. It is a common phrase used in Spanish cooking recipes and menus. Chicken thighs are a specific part of the chicken that is often used in a variety of dishes due to its flavor and tenderness. Typically, 'muslos de pollo' can be baked, roasted, grilled, or cooked in many different cuisine types depending on the recipe. This Spanish term is very helpful to know when navigating culinary contexts or grocery shopping in Spanish-speaking countries.
muy hecho
very well done
The Spanish phrase 'muy hecho' translates to 'very well done' in English. It is often used in the context of cooking, to refer to food that has been cooked thoroughly or for a long period of time, such as a steak that is 'very well done'. However, it can also be used more broadly to mean that something has been done to a high standard or with a lot of effort.
naranja
orange
The orange is the fruit of the citrus species Citrus × sinensis in the family Rutaceae. It is a sweet-tasting fruit that can be used for making juice.
Example sentences with naranja →nata
cream
The Spanish word 'nata' translates to 'cream' in English. It refers to the thick white or yellowish fatty liquid that forms a layer on the top of milk before it is homogenized. It's often whipped and used in cooking or desserts.
nueces
nuts
The Spanish word 'nueces' translates to 'nuts' in English. It is a plural and feminine noun in Spanish. Often used in the context of food, 'nueces' refers primarily to a type of food commonly consumed as a snack or used in cooking and baking. The term 'nuts' in English has a similar use, referring to a group of snack foods that includes almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and many others. While the direct translation from 'nueces' to 'nuts' can be accurate in most contexts, cultural or regional usage may vary.
orden
order
The word 'order' is translated into Spanish as 'orden'. It is used much in the same way as it is in English – to refer to a sequence or arrangement, a directive, or the state of tidy arrangement. It is common in both formal and informal usage. As in English, it can also refer to a classification in taxonomy. The context will generally make the meaning clear.
Example sentences with orden →orégano
oregano
The word 'orégano' is a noun in Spanish language. It translates to 'oregano' in English. Oregano is a type of herb used in cooking, especially in Mediterranean and Mexican dishes, to enhance the flavor. It is known for its earthy and mild spicy flavor and is used dried or fresh in recipes. Oregano is also known for its medicinal properties including anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.
paella
paella
Paella is a world famous dish originating from Spain. It is a culinary delight made up of rice primarily, cooked with a variety of ingredients that often include seafood, meats like chicken and rabbit, vegetables and spices, chiefly saffron, which gives the dish its distinct yellow color and exotic flavor. It is traditionally cooked in a large, shallow pan and is named after it. The preparation of Paella is considered an art in Spanish culture.
palmera
palm tree
The Spanish term 'palmera' refers to an English word 'palm tree'. Palm trees are a botanical family of perennial lianas, shrubs, and trees. They are commonly recognized by their large, compound, evergreen leaves arranged at the top of an unbranched stem. The term 'palmera' might be used when referring to the tree in aspects such as its description, location, cultivation, or type in a Spanish context.