carbohidratos
/kaɾboidɾatos/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'carbs' translates to Spanish as carbohidratos.
Carbohidratos is used to refer to carbohydrates. In more formal scientific or nutritional contexts, you may also see the term Hidratos de carbono.
Which one should you use?
While carbohidratos is a direct translation of carbohydrates, Hidratos de carbono is a more formal way to express the same concept in technical settings.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾboidɾatos/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the term harinas meaning 'flours' is used colloquially to refer to all high-carb foods like bread and pasta. A person might say they are avoiding harinas when they actually mean 'carbs'.
- In some Spanish-speaking medical contexts, you might hear the term azúcares to describe carbohydrates. This isn't referring specifically to sugar, but is a way to categorize various carbohydrate types in a simplified way.
- The formal term hidratos de carbono literally translates to 'carbon hydrates'. This reflects an older chemical understanding of sugars as water molecules combined with carbon.
Examples in context
- El pan contiene hidratos de carbono.Bread contains carbs.
- Es importante equilibrar la ingesta de carbohidratos.It is important to balance carbohydrate intake.
- No puedo dejar de comer carbos, ¡me encantan!I can't stop eating carbs, I love them!
- Los hidratos de carbono son esenciales para una dieta equilibrada.Carbs are essential for a balanced diet.
- ¿Cuántos carbohidratos consumes al día?How many carbs do you consume per day?
- Voy a reducir la cantidad de carbos en mi alimentación.I'm going to reduce the amount of carbs in my diet.
- Me gustaría una dieta baja en carbohidratos.I would like a low-carb diet.
- No deberías comer tantos carbohidratos.You shouldn't eat so many carbs.
- Este pan tiene muchos carbohidratos.This bread has a lot of carbs.
- Prefiero las comidas con pocos carbohidratos.I prefer meals with few carbs.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are deciding what to order at a restaurant.
- AlejandroQuiero pedir pasta, pero tiene muchos carbohidratos.I want to order pasta, but it has too many carbs.
- MaríaPuedes pedir una ensalada en su lugar, Alejandro.You can order a salad instead, Alejandro.
- AlejandroTienes razón, prefiero evitar los carbohidratos hoy.You are right, I prefer to avoid carbs today.
- MaríaPerfecto, yo también pediré algo ligero.Perfect, I will also order something light.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
