cóctel
/koɡtel/from spelling rules
The English phrase cocktail is translated into Spanish as cóctel.
cóctel refers to an alcoholic beverage. In formal settings, you may also encounter the term bebida mixta to mean mixed drink.
Meaning: alcoholic beverage (noun)
Which one should you use?
While cóctel is the standard term, you might hear copita in Spain to refer to a small cocktail or a shot and coctelito is a diminutive form used in informal contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term copita is used in Spain to refer to a small cocktail or a shot, and coctelito is commonly used in informal contexts within Caribbean regions.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of cóctel is cócteles.
How do you pronounce it?
/koɡtel/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the term cóctel can refer to the party itself rather than the drink. An invitation to a cóctel often implies a standing reception with hors d'oeuvres and drinks.
- Although cóctel is now a standard Spanish word, it is a direct loanword from English. It was adopted into the language to describe the specific modern practice of mixing spirits.
- Because cóctel is a loanword, it follows the Spanish rules for accentuation by adding a written accent on the 'o' to maintain the stress on the first syllable.
Examples in context
- Tengo previsto ir a su cóctel.I plan to go to her cocktail party.This sentence shows how to use cóctel when referring to a cocktail party.Tatoeba #1606292 by marcelostockle, translation #1037486 by CN
- El cóctel de gambas estaba delicioso.The prawn cocktail was delicious.This sentence uses cóctel to describe a prawn cocktail dish.Tatoeba #1712133 by teskmon, translation #1527866 by CM
- Me gustaría un cóctel, por favorI would like a cocktail, please
- En este evento, ¿puede ofrecer cócteles sin alcohol?Can you provide non-alcoholic cocktails at this event?
- ¡Me encantaría probar un coctelito tropical durante mis vacaciones!I would love to try a tropical cocktail during my vacation!
- Una copita de ron con cola, por favor.A small rum and coke, please.
- Este cóctel tiene mucho sabor.This cocktail has a lot of flavor.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are at a lounge.
- DanielLucía, ¿quieres un cóctel?Lucía, do you want a cocktail?
- LucíaSí, pero no quiero uno muy dulce.Yes, but I don't want a very sweet one.
- DanielEstá bien, pediré uno cítrico para ti.Okay, I will order a citrusy one for you.
- LucíaGracias, Daniel, suena perfecto.Thanks, Daniel, that sounds perfect.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cóctel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
