jugo
/ˈxuɡo/
The English phrase juice is translated into Spanish as jugo.
jugo refers to the liquid squeezed or pressed from a fruit or vegetable. It can also refer to the natural fluids, such as sap, found within biological organisms.
Which one should you use?
In Latin America, jugo is the standard word for juice, whereas in Spain, the term zumo is more commonly used for the same meaning.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, zumo is the preferred term for juice. In Argentina, you may hear the affectionate diminutive juguito. In Mexico, fruit-based beverages might be referred to as aguas frescas. Additionally, in Argentina, the word gaseosa is more commonly used to refer to carbonated soft drinks.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈxuɡo/
Did you know?
- In many parts of Latin America, if you order a 'jugo' in a restaurant, you will receive a freshly squeezed drink, whereas in Spain, 'jugo' might lead a waiter to think you are asking for a meat broth or meat juices.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the phrase sacar el jugo is used as an idiom meaning to get the absolute maximum value or utility out of a person or a situation.
- The word jugo shares a common ancestor with the English word 'succulent', which describes something juicy or fleshy.
Examples in context
- quiero un zumo de naranjaI want an orange juice
- El jugo de naranja está muy frío.The orange juice is very cold.
- ¿Quieres un vaso de jugo de manzana?Do you want a glass of apple juice?
- Me gusta el jugo natural de la tienda.I like the natural juice from the shop.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are having breakfast in the kitchen.
- Javier¿Quieres un poco de jugo, Sofía?Do you want some juice, Sofía?
- SofíaSí, por favor, me encanta el jugo de naranja.Yes, please, I love orange juice.
- JavierAquí tienes tu jugo.Here is your juice.
- SofíaMuchas gracias, Javier.Thank you very much, Javier.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry jugo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jugo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
