Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| moler | /moˈleɾ/ |
| triturar | /tɾituˈɾaɾ/ |
The verb moler is used specifically when the end result of the grinding process is a powder or a fine grain, such as when you grind spices, coffee or grain. The related noun molienda refers to a specific degree of pulverization, particularly regarding coffee beans.
Which one should you use?
While moler is used for creating fine powders or grains, triturar is also a way to say 'to grind'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle molido functions as an adjective to describe something that has already been ground, such as in the phrase café molido (ground coffee). Additionally, the noun molino refers to a machine used for grinding, such as a mill or a coffee grinder and is derived from the verb moler. The noun rutina can be used to describe a 'grind' in the sense of a tedious task.
How do you pronounce it?
/moˈleɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb moler is used in the common Spanish idiom moler a palos, which means to beat someone severely with sticks.
- The phrase estoy molido literally translates to 'I am ground', but it is the standard way to say 'my body aches' or 'I am exhausted'.
- If you are making 'ground beef' in a Spanish-speaking kitchen, you would likely use the term carne picada rather than using a form of moler.
Examples in context
- Mamá usa un molinillo de café para moler los granos de café.Mame uses a coffee mill to grind coffee beans.This sentence shows how to use moler when talking about using a coffee mill to grind coffee beans.Tatoeba #2078131 by radu107, translation #62231 by Scott
- Necesito moler estos granos de café para preparar una deliciosa taza de café.I need to grind these coffee beans to prepare a delicious cup of coffee.
- Debes triturar las especias antes de añadirlas a la salsa.You should grind the spices before adding them to the sauce.
- El científico necesita pulverizar la muestra antes de analizarla bajo el microscopio.The scientist needs to grind the sample before analyzing it under the microscope.
- Me duele la cabeza, parece que me están moliendo el cerebro con tanto ruido.I have a headache, it feels like someone is grinding my brain with all this noise.
- Necesito moler la pimienta para la cena.I need to grind the pepper for dinner.
- Debes moler los granos de cacao para el chocolate.You must grind the cocoa beans for the chocolate.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are preparing ingredients in the kitchen.
- Sofía¿Puedes moler estas especias, Mateo?Can you grind these spices, Mateo?
- MateoClaro, Sofía, ¿quieres que use el mortero?Sure, Sofía, do you want me to use the mortar?
- SofíaSí, por favor, que queden muy finas.Yes, please, make sure they are very fine.
- MateoNo hay problema, lo haré ahora mismo.No problem, I will do it right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grind” translations and entries moler, triturar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
