Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| crema | /ˈkɾema/ | feminine |
| nata | /ˈnata/ | feminine |
The word is used to describe the fatty component of milk. You may see the term crema facial for facial cream or crema de cocina for cooking cream. In a culinary context, specifically when referring to heavy cream or whipping cream, the phrase crema de leche is frequently used. If you are referring specifically to whipped cream, the term crema batida is common in Mexico and other Latin American countries. Additionally, the adjective crema, bayo or the phrase de color crema can be used to describe the color cream.
Which one should you use?
While both words refer to the fatty part of milk, they are used differently depending on the context and region. In many Latin American countries, crema is the common term for the fatty part of milk, whereas nata may refer specifically to the skin that forms on top of heated milk. In Spain, nata is the standard term for the fatty layer of milk or heavy cream, while crema often refers to a thick sauce or a dessert cream.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Nata is a term commonly used in Spain to refer to cream, particularly in cooking or desserts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both crema and nata are feminine nouns. The diminutive form cremita can be used to convey endearment or familiarity. To express the action to cream vegetables, use the verb phrase mezclar con crema.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɾema/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word nata originates from a French term meaning 'mat', describing the way the cream forms a layer on top of milk like a mat on a floor.
- In some regions, la nata is used idiomatically to refer to the 'cream of the crop' or the best part of a group of people.
- While crema is used for lotions, Spanish speakers also use it to describe any thick, blended soup, such as crema de calabacín for zucchini cream soup.
Examples in context
- Le pongo crema a mi café.I put some cream in my coffee.This sentence shows how to use crema when adding it to a beverage.Tatoeba #1351474 by marcelostockle, translation #62264 by CK
- Yo le echo crema a mi café.I put cream in my coffee.This sentence demonstrates an alternative way to use crema when adding it to a beverage.Tatoeba #1340277 by marcelostockle, translation #1052803 by CK
- La manteca se hace con crema.Butter is made from cream.This sentence illustrates the use of crema in a culinary context regarding how butter is made.Tatoeba #1731669 by hayastan, translation #35199 by sacredceltic
- café con nataCoffee with cream
- Mi mamá utiliza una crema facial muy nutritiva.My mom uses a very nourishing facial cream.
- ¿Quieres un pastelillo con cremita?Do you want a cupcake with some cream?
- En España, es común pedir un café con nata.In Spain, it’s common to order coffee with cream.
- Mezcla la crema batida con las frutas para hacer una deliciosa ensalada.Mix the whipped cream with the fruits to make a delicious salad.
- No te olvides de añadir un poco de nata al café.Don't forget to add a little cream to the coffee.
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are preparing a dessert in the kitchen.
- DanielElena, ¿dónde está la crema?Elena, where is the cream?
- ElenaEstá en la puerta del refrigerador.It is in the refrigerator door.
- DanielGracias, necesito la crema para el postre.Thanks, I need the cream for the dessert.
- ElenaDe nada, Daniel. Usa la que es espesa.You're welcome, Daniel. Use the thick one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cream” translations and entries crema, nata, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries crema, nata, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
