natillas
/naˈtiʝas/
The Spanish word for custard is natillas.
The term refers to a custard-based dessert or sauce. In Mexico, natillas specifically refers to a dessert made with a thickened milk base and flavored with cinnamon.
Meaning: sauce (noun)
Which one should you use?
While natillas is used for a custard-based dessert or sauce, the word pudin is used for a more solid, pudding-like consistency.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, custard is known as crema pastelera. In Mexico, natillas is the term for a dessert made with a thickened milk base and cinnamon.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word natillas is a plural noun, but it is used to refer to a singular dish of custard.
How do you pronounce it?
/naˈtiʝas/
Did you know?
- The word natillas is the diminutive form of nata, which refers to 'heavy cream'. Literally, the word means 'little creams'.
- In Spain, natillas are traditionally served as a standalone dessert, but in other cultures, custard is often used as a filling or accompaniment.
- While natillas is plural in form, it functions as a singular concept when referring to the dish, similar to how 'scissors' works in English.
Examples in context
- María los sobornó con natillas.Mary bribed them with custard.This sentence shows how someone might use natillas as a bribe.Tatoeba #6623843 by Schuager, translation #6622771 by Eccles17
- ¿Has comido alguna vez una pizza de natillas?Have you ever eaten a custard pizza?This sentence uses natillas in an unusual food combination.Tatoeba #5169103 by albrusgher, translation #2761940 by mervert1
- Tengo algo de pudin de natillas para la merienda.I had some custard pudding for an afternoon snack.This sentence demonstrates the use of natillas as a snack component.Tatoeba #5047081 by albrusgher, translation #64832 by CK
- Me gustaría una natilla de vainilla, por favor.I would like a vanilla custard, please.
- Ella prepara el mejor flan que he probado en mi vida.She makes the best flan I have ever tasted.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are sitting in a cafe after lunch.
- DanielMe gustaría pedir unas natillas de postre.I would like to order some custard for dessert.
- SofíaLas natillas de este lugar son deliciosas.The custard in this place is delicious.
- Daniel¿Quieres probar un poco de las mías?Do you want to try some of mine?
- SofíaSí, gracias, se ven muy buenas.Yes, thank you, they look very good.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry natillas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
