bar
/ˈbaɾ/
The Spanish word for a drinking bar is bar.
A bar is an establishment where alcoholic drinks are served and consumed.
Which one should you use?
While bar implies a focus on alcohol, the word café is used for establishments that primarily serve coffee and light snacks, although many places serve both. In many Latin American countries, the word cantina refers specifically to a traditional, often more rustic or old-fashioned, establishment for drinking alcohol.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term la taberna is used to refer to a drinking bar. This term carries a traditional connotation and is associated with a cozy, old-fashioned place.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbaɾ/
When do people say it?
If you are visiting a bar to eat small snacks and drink, a common idiomatic way to describe this activity is ir de tapas.
Did you know?
- While a bar is the general term, the word cantina in Mexico can specifically refer to a traditional establishment that historically served only men.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a bar functions as a social hub for all ages where families gather for breakfast or lunch, rather than being exclusively an adult nighttime venue.
- The Spanish word bar was actually borrowed from English, making it a linguistic loop where Spanish adopted a term that had previously evolved through Old French and Middle English.
Examples in context
- Vamos al bar de la calle, ¡tienen unos cócteles geniales!Let's go to the bar down the street, they have great cocktails!
- El bar está muy cerca de aquí.The bar is very close to here.
- Vamos a un bar para tomar algo.Let's go to a bar to have a drink.
- Este bar tiene buena música.This bar has good music.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are deciding where to meet for a drink.
- SofíaJavier, ¿conoces un bar bueno por aquí?Javier, do you know a good bar around here?
- JavierSí, hay un bar fantástico a la vuelta.Yes, there is a fantastic bar around the corner.
- SofíaPerfecto, vamos a ese lugar.Perfect, let's go to that place.
- JavierClaro, yo te acompaño, Sofía.Sure, I'll go with you, Sofía.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
