hora del cóctel
/oɾa del koɡtel/from spelling rules
The English phrase "cocktail hour" is translated into Spanish as hora del cóctel.
This phrase refers to the period of time before a meal when guests gather to drink cocktails and eat appetizers.
Which one should you use?
While hora del cóctel specifically refers to the cocktail hour, you can also use hora del aperitivo to refer to cocktail hours in formal settings, though the latter literally translates to "appetizer hour".
How do you pronounce it?
/oɾa del koɡtel/
Did you know?
- In Spain, the 'cocktail hour' experience is often replaced by el tapeo, a custom where guests migrate between different bars instead of staying in one location.
- In casual Spanish conversation, people often skip the word cóctel entirely and simply ask if you want to go for una copa, which literally means 'a glass'.
- The word aperitivo is linguistically versatile in Spanish, as it can simultaneously describe the time of day, the beverage and the food being served.
Examples in context
- La hora del cóctel comenzará a las seis.The cocktail hour will start at six.
- Preparé algunas bebidas para la hora del cóctel.I prepared some drinks for the cocktail hour.
- Disfrutamos de la hora del cóctel en la terraza.We enjoyed the cocktail hour on the terrace.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are attending a formal event.
- ElenaAlejandro, ¿ya empezó la hora del cóctel?Alejandro, has cocktail hour started yet?
- AlejandroSí, los invitados ya están en el jardín.Yes, the guests are already in the garden.
- ElenaVamos entonces a buscar algo de beber.Let's go then and find something to drink.
- AlejandroDe acuerdo, vamos ahora mismo.All right, let's go right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
