Spanish Vocabulary for Food & Drinks
Learn common Spanish words and phrases related to Food & Drinks to expand your language skills.
caja de galletas
Cookie box
The Spanish term 'caja de galletas' translates to 'cookie box' in English. This phrase can be broken down into two main parts: 'caja' meaning 'box', and 'galletas' meaning 'cookies'. Therefore, when combined, it forms the term 'box of cookies' which is commonly used to refer to a container or package where cookies are stored or presented.
calabacín
pumpkin
The Spanish word 'calabacín' does not mean 'pumpkin' in English. It actually translates to 'zucchini' or 'courgette'. This term is used in many Spanish-speaking countries to refer to a type of summer squash that is green and typically long, thin and smooth. It is often used in cooking and can be prepared in a variety of ways, including grilled, steamed, boiled, or fried.
calentar agua
heat water
The Spanish phrase 'calentar agua' translates into English as 'heat water'. It is a verb phrase used to describe the action of making water hot, which could be for various purposes such as cooking, bathing, etc. Typically, this term is used in the context of preparing food or drink, where heating water is often a necessary step in the process.
calentar una salsa
heat a sauce
The Spanish phrase 'calentar una salsa' translates to 'heat a sauce' in English. It is a verb phrase that can be used in many cooking contexts. Calentar is the infinitive form of a verb meaning 'to heat'. 'Una' is a definite article meaning 'a'. 'Salsa', a common word in both English and Spanish speaking cultures, is the Spanish term for 'sauce'. Therefore, 'calentar una salsa' can be used when preparing meals that require the heating of a sauce as a part of the recipe.
calorías
calories
The Spanish word 'calorías' translates to 'calories' in English. The term 'calories' is commonly used in the context of diet and nutrition. Calories refers to a unit of energy. In terms of nutrition, it usually indicates the amount of energy that a particular food type provides to the body when consumed. Therefore, if you are counting 'calorías' in Spanish, you are keeping track of your caloric or energy intake from food in English.
caramelo
Candy.
The Spanish word 'caramelo' translates to 'candy' in English. It's a universal term used to refer to any sweet treat that is often given to children and enjoyed by all ages. This might refer to small pieces of hard, sweet food made from sugar and other ingredients, usually enjoyed as a snack or dessert. It's a commonly used word both in Spanish and in English.
carne
meat
The Spanish word 'carne' translates to 'meat' in English. It is a commonly used term in Spanish speaking countries to refer to the flesh of animals, particularly mammals, as food. It is used in various contexts, such as grocery shopping, cooking, and restaurant menus, similar to the term 'meat' in English. Examples of 'carne' include beef ('carne de res'), pork ('carne de cerdo'), and lamb ('carne de cordero').
carne a la plancha
grilled meat
The Spanish term 'carne a la plancha' translates to 'grilled meat' in English. This is a cooking method where meat, often beef, chicken or pork, is cooked on a grill or griddle. It is a popular method of cooking meat in many Spanish-speaking countries, and is often served with vegetables, rice or beans. The term itself encompasses not just the method of cooking but also connotes the flavor and texture that comes from grilling. It's a common dish found on menus in places ranging from fancy restaurants to family cookouts.
carne asada
roasted meat
Carne asada is a popular dish in Latin American cuisine, primarily in Mexico and Central America. In English, it translates to 'roasted meat'. The dish usually consists of portions or slices of beef, such as skirt steak or flank steak, that are marinated, often with lime and spices, then grilled. It's commonly served with tortillas, beans, and salsa, and may be included in tacos, burritos, and other types of dishes. It's essentially a type of barbecued or grilled meat, and is a staple in many Latin American gatherings and celebrations.
carne con patatas
beef with potatoes
The Spanish phrase 'carne con patatas' translates to 'beef with potatoes' in English. This is a simple yet popular dish in Spanish cuisine consisting of beef, typically stewed or braised, served with potatoes. It's a hearty comfort food, illustrating Spain's traditional culinary style, which often combines simple ingredients to create satisfying dishes.
carne de cerdo
pork meat
The term 'carne de cerdo' in Spanish translates as 'pork meat' in English. This term is commonly used in cooking and culinary contexts, referring to the meat derived from a domestic pig. It is a common ingredient in many international cuisines, including Spanish and Mexican cuisines where it's often used in traditional dishes. 'Carne' means 'meat' and 'cerdo' refers specifically to 'pig', hence together they specify 'pork meat'.
carne de cordero
lamb meat
The Spanish term 'carne de cordero' directly translates to 'meat of lamb' in English, often shortened to just 'lamb'. It refers to the culinary name for meat from a juvenile domestic sheep. The meat is a type of red meat, which is richer in iron and protein compared to chicken or fish. Lamb is often used in dishes across the world, particularly in Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern cuisines where it is featured in traditional recipes such as roasts, stews, and grills.
carne de pollo
chicken meat
'Carne de pollo' is a Spanish phrase that translates into English as 'chicken meat'. It is commonly used in various contexts, particularly in reference to food and culinary practices. It is important to note that in Spanish, the noun comes before adjectives unlike in English where adjectives typically precede the noun. Therefore, 'carne de pollo' is directly translated as 'meat of chicken', but is understood in English as 'chicken meat'. This phrase can be utilized when ordering food in a restaurant, grocery shopping, or discussing recipes.
carne de ternera
beef
The Spanish term 'carne de ternera' refers to the culinary name for meat from cattle, particularly skeletal muscle. In English, this is commonly known as 'beef'. This term is widely used in Spanish-speaking countries and is found in various dishes ranging from casseroles to grills. Beef is a source of protein and is rich in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamins B12 and B6.
carne frito
fried meat
The Spanish term 'carne frito' directly translates to 'fried meat' in English. This phrase is used in Spanish-speaking cultures to refer to a method of preparing meat, specifically by frying it. It can be used to describe various types of meats, such as beef, pork, or chicken, that have been fried as part of a meal or dish. Knowing food-related phrases such as 'carne frito' can be particularly useful when travelling in Spanish-speaking regions or when dining at Spanish restaurants.
carne guisada
beef stew
The Spanish term 'carne guisada' translates to 'beef stew' in English. This term refers to a traditional dish popular in various parts of the world including Spain and Latin America. It is a hearty dish comprising beef that has been slowly simmered until tender in a richly flavored broth with aromatic herbs, spices, vegetables, and occasionally wine or beer. The resultant stew is often served with rice, potatoes, or bread.
carne hervido
boiled meat
The Spanish term 'carne hervido' translates to 'boiled meat' in English. It is a cooking method where meat is cooked in hot liquids such as water or broth. The process typically involves simmering the meat until it is fully cooked and tender. This method can be used for a variety of meat types and is a common cooking process in various cuisines around the world.
carrito de la compra
shopping cart
The Spanish phrase 'carrito de la compra' translates to 'shopping cart' in English. It is used as a way to carry goods in a supermarket or store while shopping. The term consists of two parts- ‘carrito’ which means 'little cart' and ‘de la compra’, which means 'of the shopping'. Therefore, when combined, it refers to a small cart used for shopping.
carro (de la compra)
shopping (cart)
The Spanish term 'carro (de la compra)' translates to 'shopping (cart)' in English. It's a noun that refers to a cart used by customers in a supermarket or grocery store to hold their goods until checkout. Each shopping cart typically consists of a large basket on wheels that the customer can easily roll around the store, allowing them to pick up items as they walk down the aisles. This is a common element of shopping in stores where customers choose their own items. It allows for the easy transportation of goods within the store and often serves as a temporary storage place for items selected for purchase.
cáscara de huevo
egg shell
The Spanish term 'cáscara de huevo' translates to 'egg shell' in English. An eggshell is the outer covering of a hard-shelled egg and of some forms of eggs with soft outer coats. It protects and provides a sanitary environment for the egg's contents, being its principal defense against external damage. In culinary uses, egg shells might be used in composting or as a form of organic calcium supplement.
catar
to taste
The Spanish word 'catar' translates to 'to taste' in English. It is often used to refer to the act of tasting or trying different types of food or beverages to evaluate their quality or flavor. Just as we say 'taste the soup' in English, in Spanish you would say 'catar la sopa'. This verb is commonly used in situations involving wine tasting, or 'catar vinos', where it is necessary to assess the characteristics and quality of different wines.
cebolla
onion
The word 'cebolla' in Spanish translates into English as 'onion'. Onions are a vegetable commonly used around the world in all types of cooking for their flavorful contribution to many dishes. They can be white, yellow, or red, and from sweet to sharp in flavor. They usually have layers and a firm texture, and are known to cause teary eyes when cut due to synthesizing the chemical irritants.
cena
Dinner
The Spanish word 'cena' translates to 'dinner' in English. It is used to refer to the main meal that people often have in the evening. This term is used widely in all Spanish-speaking countries and could also imply a special event meal or a formal feast, similar to its usage in English.
cenar
have dinner
The Spanish word 'cenar' translates to 'have dinner' in English. It is a regular verb that is used to express the action of having the final meal of the day known as dinner. It is typically used in daily conversation and coincides with evening times of the day. This term forms part of many expressions and phrases in Spanish, giving context to evening activities or plans.
centollo
centollo
The Spanish word 'centollo' does not have a direct English translation. However, it refers to a type of crab, specifically the 'European Spider Crab'. In some regions, it's also called 'King Crab'. It's known for its large size and delicious meat, commonly used in Spanish cuisine, particularly in the northern regions of Spain.
cereales
cereals
The Spanish word 'cereales' is a collective term that represents an English equivalent term 'cereals'. This term broadly refers to any grass that produces an edible grain, such as rice, corn, wheat, barley, etc., often utilized for foods like breakfast cereals, bread, and pasta. It's pronounced as 'se-re-a-les' in Spanish. Its primary use is in the context of food and agriculture.
cereza
cherry
A cherry is the fruit of many plants of the genus Prunus, and is a fleshy drupe (stone fruit). They are small and round, often bright red in color, and are sweet or sour in taste.
Example sentences with cereza →cerveza
beer
The Spanish word 'cerveza' refers to a popular alcoholic beverage known widely in English as 'beer'. This beverage is traditionally made from barley or other grains, yeast, hops, and water. It comes in various types and flavors depending upon the brewing process and the region it's brewed in. Consumption of 'cerveza' is widely incorporated into many aspects of culture in Spanish speaking countries, from social gatherings to special occasions or celebrations.
cerveza de barril
beer keg
The Spanish phrase 'cerveza de barril' translates to 'beer keg' in English. A beer keg is a cylindrical container, typically constructed from aluminum, used for transporting, storing, and serving beer. Its specific use is predominantly seen in bars and restaurants, where it's hooked up to a draft system for serving beer directly to customers. It is worth noting that the word by word translation of 'cerveza de barril' means 'beer from barrel', emphasizing how traditionally beer was stored and served from wooden barrels.
cesta de la compra
shopping basket
The Spanish phrase 'cesta de la compra' translates to 'shopping basket' in English. This term is often found in the context of grocery or retail shopping. Just like in English-speaking regions, people in Spanish-speaking regions use a 'cesta de la compra' to collect and carry items they wish to purchase from a store. This may be a physical basket in a brick-and-mortar store or a virtual one in the context of online shopping.