alcohol
/alˈkol/masculine
The Spanish word for alcohol is alcohol.
alcohol is used to refer to an intoxicating beverage. While alcohol is the standard term, you may encounter other ways to describe alcoholic beverages depending on the context and level of formality.
Meaning: intoxicating beverage (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the slang term pisto is used for alcohol. In Argentina, the word fernet often refers to a specific type of alcoholic drink.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word alcohol is a masculine noun, so it is used with the masculine article el (e.g., el alcohol).
How do you pronounce it?
/alˈkol/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word alcohol actually traces its roots back to the Arabic word for 'kohl', an ancient eye cosmetic made from powdered minerals.
- In Mexico, you might hear the word pisto used to refer to alcohol, but avoid using it in Spain if you are hungry, as it actually names a popular dish of fried vegetables.
- In Spanish, the term bebidas espirituosas for strong liquors literally translates to 'spiritual drinks'.
Examples in context
- Tom no bebe alcohol.Tom does not drink alcohol.This sentence is useful for saying that Tom does not drink alcohol.Tatoeba #8920734 by Shishir, translation #6692595 by Eccles17
- No bebe nunca alcohol.He never drinks alcohol.This sentence is useful for saying that he never drinks alcohol.Tatoeba #10204376 by Shishir, translation #288897 by CK
- No puede beber alcohol.She can't drink alcohol.This sentence is useful for saying that she cannot drink alcohol.Tatoeba #947271 by hayastan, translation #1401990 by ddnktr
- 85 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are at a restaurant looking at the menu.
- ElenaMira, este menú tiene mucho alcohol.Look, this menu has a lot of alcohol.
- AlejandroEs verdad, pero yo prefiero el agua.It is true, but I prefer water.
- ElenaYo también, no quiero beber alcohol hoy.Me too, I don't want to drink alcohol today.
- AlejandroEntonces pidamos un zumo de naranja.Then let's order an orange juice.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “alcohol” translations and entries alcohol, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alcohol, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
