cerveza de barril
/θeɾbeθa de baril/from spelling rules
The English phrase "draught beer" is translated into Spanish as cerveza de barril.
Cerveza de barril refers to beer that is served from a cask or keg rather than from a bottle or can. In many bars and restaurants, you may also see it referred to as cerveza de grifo, which means "tap beer".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cerveza (beer) and de barril (of barrel).
Which one should you use?
Cerveza de barril is the direct contrast to cerveza de botella, which means "bottled beer".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, Central America and some parts of South America, you can use the informal term chela de barril. In Argentina and Uruguay, the informal term birra de barril is used. In Spain, particularly in southern regions, the word caña is an informal term for a small draught beer served in a small glass.
Did you know?
- While caña refers to a small draught beer, the word literally means 'cane' or 'reed', likely referencing the shape of the narrow glass.
- The word barril was borrowed from French, but it was actually a translation of the English word 'barrel' used as a measurement of volume.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the word caña can be used as a shorthand for the entire social act of going out for a drink with friends, regardless of whether other drinks are ordered.
Examples in context
- Prefiero la cerveza de barril.I prefer draught beer.
- ¿Tienen cerveza de barril aquí?Do you have draught beer here?
- La cerveza de barril es más fresca.Draught beer is fresher.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are sitting at a bar.
- Alejandro¿Quieres una botella o cerveza de barril?Do you want a bottle or draught beer?
- MaríaPara mí, una cerveza de barril, por favor.For me, a draught beer, please.
- AlejandroMuy buena elección, María.Very good choice, María.
- MaríaGracias, Alejandro.Thanks, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries barril, cerveza, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
