crema
/ˈkɾema/
In Spanish, crema is the word for the head of foam on coffee.
The word crema refers to the layer of foam found on top of coffee. Beyond its use in coffee preparation, it is also the standard term for the dairy product known as cream and is used to describe the color cream.
Meaning: head of foam (noun)
Which one should you use?
While crema refers to the head of foam on coffee, it is also the standard word for the liquid dairy product. Additionally, the word can be used to describe the color cream.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɾema/
Did you know?
- The word crema shares an ancient root with the Greek word khrîsmă, which refers to anointing oil.
- While crema describes the foam on an espresso, it is also the primary word for any cosmetic lotion or skin cream.
- In some Spanish culinary contexts, crema can refer to a thick, blended soup, such as crema de calabaza for pumpkin soup.
Examples in context
- El pastel lleva nata por encima.The cake has cream on top.
- ¿Me puedes pasar la crema para el postre, por favor?Can you pass me the cream for dessert, please?
- Este flan sabe mejor con un poco de cremita.This flan tastes better with a bit of cream.
- Por favor, sirve el pastel con nata montada.Please serve the cake with whipped cream.
- Me gusta la crema del café.I like the foam on the coffee.
- Quiero más crema en mi capuchino.I want more foam in my cappuccino.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are at a cafe.
- Lucía¿Tu café tiene mucha crema?Does your coffee have a lot of foam?
- AlejandroSí, tiene una crema muy suave.Yes, it has a very smooth foam.
- LucíaSe ve delicioso, Alejandro.It looks delicious, Alejandro.
- AlejandroGracias, Lucía, te lo recomiendo.Thanks, Lucía, I recommend it to you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry crema, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
