caramelo
/kaɾaˈmelo/masculine
The Spanish word for caramel is caramelo. Wiktionary also lists manjar blanco and cajeta.
Meaning: confection (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| caramelo | /kaɾaˈmelo/ | masculine |
| manjar blanco | /manˌxaɾ ˈblanko/ | masculine |
| cajeta | /kaˈxeta/ | feminine |
| arequipa | /aɾekipa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
The term is used to describe various types of confections. While it can refer to a caramel sauce, it is most commonly used to refer to hard candies or sweets in general.
Which one should you use?
The word caramelo is a general term for hard candy or sweet candy.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, cajeta specifically refers to a thick, creamy caramel made from goat's milk. In Colombia, arequipe is the local term for caramel or caramel-like substances. In many South American countries, manjar blanco is used to describe a thick, sweet milk spread similar to dulce de leche.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾaˈmelo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use caramelo to mean only the brown sauce, but in Spanish, it is the standard word for any piece of hard candy.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- El niño chupa un caramelo con sabor a naranja.The boy is sucking on an orange-flavored caramel.This sentence shows how to describe an orange-flavored caramelo.Tatoeba #7122217 by arh, translation #7745476 by shekitten
- ¿Quién me puede dar una receta para macarrones de caramelo?Who can give me a recipe for caramel macarons?This sentence is useful for asking for a recipe involving caramelo.Tatoeba #1693589 by marcelostockle, translation #10782386 by sundown
- No me gusta el helado con caramelo encima.I don't like ice cream with caramel on it.This sentence demonstrates how to use caramelo when talking about toppings on ice cream.Tatoeba #4161121 by mervert1, translation #4047535 by Lepotdeterre
- El manjar de Chile es conocido por su sabor únicoThe caramel spread from Chile is known for its unique flavor
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are shopping at a candy store.
- ElenaMe encanta este caramelo de fresa.I love this strawberry candy.
- AlejandroA mí también, pero prefiero el de limón.Me too, but I prefer the lemon one.
- Elena¿Quieres comprar un caramelo para compartir?Do you want to buy a candy to share?
- AlejandroSí, vamos a la caja ahora.Yes, let's go to the register now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “caramel” translations and entries caramelo, manjar blanco, cajeta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries blanco, cajeta, caramelo, manjar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
