miel
/ˈmjel/feminine
The Spanish word for honey is miel.
miel refers to the sweet substance produced by bees. If you want to be specific and distinguish it from other syrups or honey-like substances, you can use the phrase miel de abeja.
Meaning: sweet substance produced by bees (noun)
Which one should you use?
While miel is the noun for the substance, the related adjective meloso is often used to describe someone who is being overly sweet or syrupy in their behavior, such as when someone is 'sucking up' to another person.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Spain and Latin America, the word amor can be used as a term of endearment similar to 'honey' or 'darling'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun miel is feminine, so it is used with the feminine article la (e.g., la miel).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmjel/
Did you know?
- The word miel is a linguistic relative of the English word 'mellifluous', which describes a sound that is sweet like honey.
- While 'honey' is a common term of endearment in English, the Spanish adjective meloso can actually be an insult, implying someone is being 'cloying' or 'fake' in their affection.
- While miel is honey, the phrase luna de miel translates literally to 'moon of honey' to mean 'honeymoon'.
Examples in context
- Me gusta la miel.I like honey.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for miel.Tatoeba #4482658 by cueyayotl, translation #3318649 by Vanilla
- Él usó mucha miel.He used a lot of honey.This sentence is useful for describing the quantity of miel used.Tatoeba #1625425 by marcelostockle, translation #289569 by CK
- Hay miel en la mesa.There is honey on the table.This sentence is useful for stating the location of miel.Tatoeba #11375630 by NicoLXVI, translation #8316598 by Amastan
- Hola, cariño.Hello, honey.
- ¿Cómo estás, cariño?How are you, honey?
- Hola, amor. ¿Cómo estás?Hi, honey. How are you?
- Gracias por todo, amor mío.Thanks for everything, my love.
- ¡Hola, cielo! Te espero en casa.Hi, honey! I'm waiting for you at home.
- No te preocupes, cielo. Todo estará bien.Don't worry, sweetheart. Everything will be fine.
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a kitchen during breakfast.
- Daniel¿Quieres miel para tu yogur, Elena?Do you want honey for your yogurt, Elena?
- ElenaSí, por favor, Daniel.Yes, please, Daniel.
- DanielAquí tienes la miel.Here is the honey.
- ElenaMuchas gracias, es deliciosa.Thank you very much, it is delicious.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “honey” translations and entries miel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
