delicia
/deˈliθja/
The Spanish word for delicacy is delicia.
delicia refers to something appealing, particularly a pleasing food.
Meaning: something appealing, especially a pleasing food (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the word antojo, which literally means a craving, is often used to refer to a delicacy or a treat.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of delicia is delicias.
How do you pronounce it?
/deˈliθja/
When do people say it?
Specific delicacies vary by region, such as the Mexican Taco al pastor (spit-grilled pork marinated in spices), the Empanada (a stuffed pastry found throughout Latin America) or the Caribbean dish Arroz con camarones (rice cooked with shrimp and spices).
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, if you describe a person as a delicia, you are not talking about food, but rather calling them a 'delight' or someone very charming.
- While delicia describes a delicacy, Spanish has a specific word manjar for a delicacy that is particularly exquisite or heavenly.
- The Spanish delicia shares its roots with the English word 'delicious', as both stem from the Latin 'dēlicia', meaning 'delight' or 'charm'.
Examples in context
- Este postre es un manjarThis dessert is a delicacy
- La trufa negra es considerada un manjar culinarioBlack truffle is considered a culinary delicacy
- Esta comida es una delicia.This food is a delicacy.
- Este postre es una verdadera delicia.This dessert is a real delicacy.
- La miel de esta zona es una delicia.The honey from this area is a delicacy.
- Cada bocado de este queso es una delicia.Every bite of this cheese is a delicacy.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are sharing a special dessert at a restaurant.
- AlejandroPrueba este pastel, Lucía.Try this cake, Lucía.
- Lucía¡Es una delicia!It is a delicacy!
- AlejandroMe alegra que te guste.I'm glad you like it.
- LucíaEs el mejor postre que he probado.It is the best dessert I have ever tried.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry delicia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries delicia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
