gourmet
/ɡuɾˈme/
The English word gourmet translates to Spanish as gourmet.
In Spanish, gourmet is used as an adjective to describe food and drink that is fine or of superior quality. It can also be used as a noun to describe a person who appreciates fine food.
Meaning: fine, of superior quality (of food and drink) (adj)
Which one should you use?
When referring to a person who appreciates good food, you might choose between different terms. Gastrónomo sounds more academic or professional, whereas gourmet is more common in culinary and commercial contexts. While gourmet refers to the quality of food or the connoisseurship itself, sibarita is often used to describe a person who is excessively fond of luxury and sensual pleasure.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term gourmet is widely used and understood. In Spain, the formal phrase alta gastronomía is frequently used.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡuɾˈme/
Did you know?
- If you describe someone as a sibarita, you are actually referencing a person from the ancient Greek city of Sybaris who was legendary for living in luxury.
- A person described as sibarita isn't just a food lover but someone who seeks refined pleasure in music and art as well.
- Although it is a French borrowing, the word gourmet is pronounced in Spanish with a hard 'g' and an accent on the second syllable, sounding more like 'goor-MEH'.
Examples in context
- Me encanta la alta gastronomía, especialmente en ocasiones especiales.I love high gastronomy, especially on special occasions.
- Voy a la tienda de delicatessen para comprar productos gourmet.I'm going to the delicatessen store to buy gourmet products.
- Este es un chocolate gourmet.This is a gourmet chocolate.
- Compramos una selección gourmet para la fiesta.We bought a gourmet selection for the party.
- El restaurante ofrece platos gourmet muy creativos.The restaurant offers very creative gourmet dishes.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are browsing a high-end grocery store.
- Mateo¿Quieres probar este queso gourmet, Lucía?Do you want to try this gourmet cheese, Lucía?
- LucíaSí, parece de una calidad excelente.Yes, it looks of excellent quality.
- MateoEntonces lo pondré en nuestro carrito.Then I will put it in our cart.
- LucíaGracias, Mateo, es una buena idea.Thanks, Mateo, it is a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gourmet” translations and entries gourmet, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
