cócteles
/koɡteles/from spelling rules
The English phrase "cocktails" is translated into Spanish as cócteles.
In a more casual setting, speakers often use the word tragos to mean cocktails.
Which one should you use?
While cócteles is the standard term, you may hear tragos used informally or copas in certain regions. Note that copas can also mean glasses or goblets depending on the context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term copas is commonly used to refer to cocktails in some specific regions, though it is also a general word for glasses.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is cócteles, while the singular form is cóctel.
How do you pronounce it?
/koɡteles/
Did you know?
- The Spanish phrase ir de copas describes the social act of pub-hopping. Here, the word copas, which usually means 'glasses', represents the entire nightlife activity.
- In Spanish bars, specifically in Spain, you might order a combinado instead of a cóctel. This term specifically describes a spirit 'combined' with a mixer like soda or tonic.
- The word trago is versatile and can function as a verb phrase dar un trago. This means to take a sip or a gulp of any liquid, not just a cocktail.
Examples in context
- El vodka que había traído a la fiesta contenía motas de oro, que resultaron haber sido rescatadas de electrodomésticos desechados, para hacer un montón de cócteles cancerígenos.The vodka he had brought to the party contained flecks of gold, which turned out to have been salvaged from discarded electronics, making for a lot of carcinogenic cocktails.This sentence shows how to use cócteles when describing the components of a drink.Tatoeba #2879981 by cueyayotl, translation #697859 by papabear
- Me gustan los cócteles frutales.I like fruit cocktails.
- El camarero preparó varios cócteles.The waiter prepared several cocktails.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are at a lounge in the evening.
- Mateo¿Quieres probar los cócteles de la casa?Do you want to try the house cocktails?
- ElenaSí, me encantan los cócteles con limón.Yes, I love cocktails with lemon.
- MateoEntonces pediré dos para nosotros.Then I will order two for us.
- Elena¡Perfecto, gracias, Mateo!Perfect, thanks, Mateo!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
