Spanish Vocabulary for Food & Drinks
Learn common Spanish words and phrases related to Food & Drinks to expand your language skills.
descomponerse
decompose
The Spanish verb 'descomponerse' translates to 'decompose' in English. It is primarily used in a physical or scientific context to refer to the process where organic materials, such as plants or bodies, break down naturally over time. The word can also metaphorically refer to the idea of something falling apart, disintegrating or deteriorating. It's used in various contexts and can also mean to 'break down' as in breaking down a complex issue into simpler parts.
Example sentences with descomponerse →descorchar una botella
to uncork a bottle
The Spanish phrase 'descorchar una botella' translates to 'to uncork a bottle' in English. It is most often used in the context of opening a bottle of wine or any bottled beverage that has been sealed with a cork. This verb encompasses the action of removing the cork or cap to allow access to the liquid inside.
devorar
devour
'Devorar' is a verb in Spanish that translates to 'devour' in English. It can be used in the context of consuming food quickly and eagerly. But it's not only used to talk about food, it can be used metaphorically as well. For instance, to devour a book would mean to read it rapidly and enthusiastically. Similar to the usage in English, 'devorar' conveys a sense of passion and eagerness.
digerir
to digest
The Spanish word 'digerir' translates to 'to digest' in English. It is commonly used in the context of physical digestion of food in a biological sense, wherein it refers to the breakdown of food by the body in order to absorb its nutrients. It can also carry a metaphorical meaning, hinting towards the mental process of comprehending and processing information or experiences.
disfrutar (de) una comida
enjoy (of) a meal
The Spanish phrase 'disfrutar (de) una comida' translates to 'enjoy (of) a meal' in English. It is used when someone wants to express that they are having a good time while eating their meal. This phrase is quite general, so it could be used in many different contexts. However, it is most commonly heard during family gatherings, social events, or at a restaurant. It would usually be expressed in a positive tone to imply appreciation and enjoyment of the food being eaten.
docena de huevos
dozen eggs
The Spanish term 'docena de huevos' translates directly to 'dozen eggs' in English. It is used to quantify and refer to twelve eggs, common in grocery shopping and cooking recipes. Like in English, it is a set phrase used in counting and represents a specific number of items, in this case, eggs.
dorada
gold
The Spanish word 'dorada' translates to 'golden' or 'gold-colored' in English. It is often used to describe things that have the color of gold or a golden hue. This word is derived from the word 'oro' which means 'gold' in Spanish. It's also worth noting that 'Dorada' is used in certain specific contexts, such as the name for a type of fish in Spanish 'Dorada', known as 'Sea Bream' in English.
dorar la cebolla
brown the onion
The Spanish phrase 'dorar la cebolla' in English literally translates to 'brown the onion'. It is a common term used in cooking. This is typically done by cooking the onion in a bit of oil over medium heat until it becomes a golden brown color. The purpose of this process is to bring out the sweetness in the onion and add flavor to the dish being prepared.
doscientos gramos
two hundred grams
The Spanish phrase 'doscientos gramos' translates to 'two hundred grams' in English. It's a unit of measurement in the metric system which is used around the world, except for the United States, which uses the imperial system. This phrase specifically is usually used in contexts such as grocery shopping or cooking, where amounts of different ingredients are measured in grams.
dulce
sweet
In Spanish, 'dulce' translates into English as 'sweet'. Signed Spanish learners manage 'un pastel dulce' signifying a 'sweet cake'.
Example sentences with dulce →dulces
sweets
Dulces is the Spanish term for sweets or candy, something many children enjoy eating.
Example sentences with dulces →dulzón
sweetish
The Spanish word 'dulzón' translates to 'sweetish' in English. It is typically used to describe a taste that is somewhat sweet, but not as sweet as sugar or candy. This adjective can be used to describe certain types of food or drink that have a hint or trace of sweetness, but are not overwhelmingly sweet. As with many other adjectives, the context of the sentence can change its exact meaning.
dulzor
sweetness
The Spanish word 'dulzor' translates to 'sweetness' in English. This noun describes the quality of being sweet in taste. This can be used in various contexts, including when referring to the sweetness of food, drink, or even to describe a sweet or pleasant characteristic. It is pronounced as 'dool-zor' in Spanish.
duro
hard
The Spanish word 'duro' is an adjective that translates to 'hard' in English. It can be used in various contexts, including describing a physically hard or solid object, illustrating a challenging action or situation requiring significant effort, or discussing a person as 'hard' taskmaster or disciplinarian. The usage of 'duro' depends on its context within a sentence.
emborracharse
get drunk
The word 'emborracharse' in Spanish is a reflexive verb that is often used to describe the act of getting drunk. The literal translation of 'emborracharse' to English is to make oneself drunk. However, in daily usage, it is most commonly used to simply mean 'to get drunk'. The word is a combination of the Spanish term 'borracho', which means 'drunk', and the reflexive verb ending '-se'.
embutido
sausage
The word 'embutido' in Spanish translates to 'sausage' in English. In a culinary context, this varies from country to country, but typically refers to a product made from ground meat (most often pork, beef, or poultry), along with fat, salt, and spices, which is then filled into a casing and may be subsequently cured or smoked. 'Embutido' can come in a variety of forms, such as chorizo, morcilla, and longaniza.
empanar una pechuga
tie a breast
The Spanish phrase 'empanar una pechuga' does not mean 'tie a breast'. Instead, it refers to a culinary procedure commonly used in many cuisines around the world. The term 'empanar' translates to 'to bread' or 'to coat in breadcrumbs'. 'Pechuga' means 'breast', usually referring to chicken in a cooking context. Therefore, 'empanar una pechuga' would translate to 'bread a breast' or 'coat a breast in breadcrumbs', a common method used to prepare chicken prior to frying or baking.
en conserva
canned
The phrase 'en conserva' in Spanish translates to 'canned' in English. It is usually used to indicate that food or other perishable items have been processed and sealed in an airtight container (also known as a can) for the purpose of long-term preservation. Items that are 'en conserva' might include fruits, vegetables, meats, or fish, and these canned goods can be typically stored for long periods of time without refrigeration. This method of food preservation allows for access to seasonal foods throughout the year and longer storage of emergency food supplies.
Example sentences with en conserva →enlatado
Canned
The Spanish word 'enlatado' translates into English as 'canned'. It is commonly used to refer to food that has been preserved and sealed in a can. This term is used widely in supermarkets and stores in Spanish-speaking countries to refer to canned goods ranging from fruits and vegetables to meats and seafood. The practice of canning food is popular as it allows for long-term storage while maintaining the nutritional qualities of the food.
Example sentences with enlatado →ensalada
salad
The Spanish word 'ensalada' translates to 'salad' in English. It can refer to a dish that usually consists of a mixture of small pieces of food, typically vegetables or fruits. However, the term 'ensalada' also conveys much of the variety that English speaking people attribute to the dish: salads can include a variety of ingredients such as grains, proteins, and cheeses, dressed with a dressing of some kind or not. This term is widely used in many Spanish-speaking countries and it is a common item found in many meals.
envasado al vacío
vacuum packed
The term 'envasado al vacío' in Spanish translates to 'vacuum packed' in English. It refers to a method of packaging that removes air from the package prior to sealing. This method involves placing items in a plastic film package, removing air from inside and sealing the package. It is commonly used for preserving food as the lack of air inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi, thus prolonging the shelf life of the products. However, it is not limited to food products alone and can also be used for other items that need to be preserved or protected.
Example sentences with envasado al vacío →escurrir la pasta
drain the pasta
The Spanish phrase 'escurrir la pasta' translates to 'drain the pasta' in English. This is a cooking instruction often used in recipes, particularly those involving pasta. When you boil pasta, it's cooked in water. Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, you would 'escurrir la pasta', or 'drain the pasta', to remove the excess water before adding other ingredients or sauces. It is a common phrase in cooking, and understanding it can help you follow Spanish recipes more easily.
especias
spices
The word 'especias' in Spanish can be translated to 'spices' in English. This noun is often used in Spanish-speaking countries to refer to various kinds of aromatic substances, such as pepper, cinnamon, oregano, and nutmeg, which are used in cooking to enhance the flavor, color, or aroma of certain dishes. Much like in English, 'especias' can also be metaphorically used to describe additions of variety or interest.
espinacas
spinach
The Spanish word 'espinacas' translates to 'spinach' in English. It is used to refer to a particular type of leafy green vegetable that is highly nutritious and can be cooked or eaten raw. It is included in both hot dishes such as soup, sautéed as a side dish, or part of a main dish, and in fresh dishes such as salads or sandwiches.
estar borracho
being drunk
The Spanish phrase 'estar borracho' translates to 'being drunk' in English. This phrase is used when someone has consumed a significant amount of alcohol and is under its influence. 'Estar' is a verb that signifies a temporary state or condition, which is suitable here because drunkenness is not a permanent condition. On the other hand, 'borracho' is an adjective that means drunk. Together, 'estar borracho' provides a specific way to describe someone's temporary condition of being intoxicated due to alcohol.
estar caducado
to be expired
The Spanish phrase 'estar caducado' translates to 'to be expired' in English. This term is widely used in reference to products or items that have exceeded their shelf-life or usability period. For example, if a food product has passed its expiry date, one could say that the food 'esta caducado' meaning the food is expired. Just like in English, 'estar caducado' can be used metaphorically in Spanish to refer to ideas or practices that are outdated or no longer applicable.
estar de oferta
be on offer
The Spanish term 'estar de oferta' translates to 'be on offer' in English. This phrase is usually used in sales and marketing context to indicate that a product or service is available at a discounted or special offer price. It's a common term that you may come across while shopping or browsing deals in Spanish speaking regions.
estar en buenas condiciones
being in good condition
The Spanish phrase 'estar en buenas condiciones' translates to 'being in good condition' in English. It is often used to describe the state or quality of an object, person's health, or situation. For example, a used car or a second-hand item in good working order may 'estar en buenas condiciones'. Alternatively, it can describe a person who is 'in good health' or a project or task that is 'on track' or progressing well.
estar en conserva
being preserved
The Spanish phrase 'estar en conserva' translates to 'being preserved' in English. This phrase is often used in the context of food and refers to the process of preparing and storing food in a way (often in a jar or a can) to significantly extend its shelf life. It might also metaphorically suggest maintaining or keeping something in an unchanged state.
estar enlatado
to be linked
The Spanish phrase 'estar enlatado' does not translate to 'to be linked' in English. Instead, it literally translates to 'to be canned'. This phrase is not commonly used in daily conversation. However, 'estar enlazado' could signify 'to be linked'. Ensure to double-check the phrase for correct meaning and usage.