beber
/beˈbeɾ/masculine
The English phrase "drinking" can be translated into Spanish as beber. If unsure, use beber. Wiktionary also lists escabio.
Meaning: act or session by which drink is consumed (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| beber | /beˈbeɾ/ | masculine |
| escabio | /esˈkabjo/ | Latin America, colloquial, masculine |
The term refers to the act or session by which a drink is consumed.
Which one should you use?
While beber is a standard masculine form, escabio is a slang term used specifically in Latin America. You may also encounter the expression Echarse unos tragos to mean "having a few drinks."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Escabio is a colloquial slang term. The expression Echarse unos tragos is an informal way to describe having a few drinks. Note that the term chupar can be considered vulgar depending on the context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin American countries, escabio and Echarse unos tragos are common. Additionally, the word tomar is more commonly used in Latin American countries than in Spain to express the idea of drinking.
How do you pronounce it?
/beˈbeɾ/
Did you know?
- The slang term escabio has an unexpected connection to Italian, likely originating from the Ligurian or Lombard words for 'wine'.
- The phrase ir de copas is often used in Spain to describe a drinking session, focusing on the 'glasses' rather than the act of drinking.
- Because tomar is so dominant in the Americas, saying bebo agua can sound overly formal or like a textbook to native speakers.
Examples in context
- No paro de beber.I can't stop drinking.The sentence is useful for expressing an inability to stop the act of beber.Tatoeba #7181469 by arh, translation #12927227 by araneo
- No me gusta beber.I don't like drinking.The sentence is useful for expressing a dislike for the act of beber.Tatoeba #6813312 by arh, translation #256127 by CK
- Beber fue su ruina.Drinking was his ruin.The sentence is useful for describing how the act of beber caused someone's ruin.Tatoeba #1287623 by marcelostockle, translation #299254 by CM
- Es importante beber suficiente agua durante el día.It's important to drink enough water during the day.
- Las personas deben consumir alcohol con moderación.People should consume alcohol in moderation.
- ¿Puede tomar un café conmigo?Can you have a coffee with me?
- Nos juntamos para echarnos unos tragos en el bar.We got together to have a few drinks at the bar.
- 90 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking about their plans for the weekend.
- DanielVamos a organizar un beber el sábado.Let's organize some drinking on Saturday.
- MaríaMe parece bien, ¿dónde será?Sounds good, where will it be?
- DanielEn mi casa, así es más tranquilo.At my house, it's quieter that way.
- MaríaPerfecto, yo llevo las bebidas.Perfect, I'll bring the drinks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “drinking” translations and entries beber, escabio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beber, escabio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
