barra de alcohol
/bara de alkool/from spelling rules
The English phrase "alcohol bar" is translated into Spanish as barra de alcohol.
Barra de alcohol refers to a specific counter or area within a venue where alcoholic drinks are served. However, in most Spanish-speaking contexts, people simply use the word barra to refer to the physical counter where drinks are served.
Which one should you use?
Use barra de copas when referring specifically to a cocktail bar or a bar that specializes in spirits. For a small, casual bar where locals gather for drinks and snacks, you might use tasca. If you are specifically at the beach, you might use chiringuito.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, specifically in beach areas, the informal term chiringuito is used to mean a beach bar. The informal term tasca is used in Spain and some Latin American countries to refer to a small, casual bar. In Argentina, the term boliches refers to nightclubs where alcoholic beverages are served.
Did you know?
- The word alcohol comes from the Arabic word al-kuḥl, which originally referred to kohl, a powdered mineral used as eyeliner.
- While barra means the physical counter, saying you are en la barra implies a social state of drinking and chatting with others.
- In Spain, the term chiringuito describes a beach bar, and the word is derived from the Catalan xiringuito, meaning a small kiosk.
Examples in context
- Vamos a tomar algo en el barLet's have a drink at the bar
- Vamos al chiringuito de la playaLet's go to the beach bar
- Vayamos a la tasca para tomarnos una cervezaLet's go to the tasca to have a beer
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar un bar?Where can I find a bar?
- ¿Hay algún bar por aquí?Is there a bar around here?
- ¿Me podrías recomendar un buen bar?Could you recommend a good bar?
- Quiero ir a un bar de vinosI want to go to a wine bar
- Necesito encontrar un bar de cerveza artesanalI need to find a craft beer bar
- Me gustaría probar un bar de cóctelesI would like to try a cocktail bar
- Hola, ¿se puede tomar algo aquí?Hi, can you have a drink here?
Example conversation
Mateo and María are at a wedding reception.
- MateoMaría, ¿estás cerca de la barra de alcohol?María, are you near the alcohol bar?
- MaríaSí, estoy esperando mi bebida aquí.Yes, I am waiting for my drink here.
- MateoPerfecto, voy caminando hacia ti.Perfect, I am walking towards you.
- MaríaDate prisa, que hay mucha gente.Hurry up, there are a lot of people.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alcohol, barra, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
