canela
/kaˈnela/feminine
Cinnamon in Spanish is canela.
canela refers to the spice. To describe how something tastes like cinnamon, use the construction saber a followed by canela. Additionally, you can refer to a cinnamon color using the phrase color canela.
Meaning: spice (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the specific term canela molida is used to refer to ground cinnamon.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun canela is feminine. When referring to the spice in a general sense, it is typically used with the definite article la.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈnela/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the phrase ser la canela can be used idiomatically to describe someone who is exceptionally wonderful or a 'sweetheart'.
- In Spain, canela en rama refers to cinnamon sticks, but it is also a common idiom for something of the highest quality.
- The word canela shares a distant ancestor with the word for 'reed' or 'pipe', because the spice was historically transported in hollow tubes.
Examples in context
- Me gusta la canela.I like cinnamon.This sentence is useful for expressing a general preference for canela.Tatoeba #10382313 by Seael, translation #8924905 by CK
- Tus besos saben a canela.Your kisses taste like cinnamon.This sentence demonstrates how to use canela to describe a taste.Tatoeba #1070011 by Shishir, translation #10085120 by DJ_Saidez
- Una de mis especias favoritas es la canela.One of my favorite spices is cinnamon.This sentence shows how to use canela when discussing favorite spices.Tatoeba #10382321 by Seael, translation #6954771 by CK
- El aroma de la canela en este plato es exquisito.The aroma of cinnamon in this dish is exquisite.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are preparing a snack in the kitchen.
- LucíaMateo, ¿podemos usar canela para las manzanas?Mateo, can we use cinnamon for the apples?
- MateoSí, Lucía, tengo canela en la alacena.Yes, Lucía, I have cinnamon in the pantry.
- LucíaPerfecto, el sabor de la canela es increíble.Perfect, the cinnamon flavor is incredible.
- MateoEs verdad, a ti te encanta.That's true, you love it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cinnamon” translations and entries canela, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries canela, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
