láctico
/ˈlaɡtiko/
The Spanish word for lactic is láctico. Wiktionary also lists lácteo.
Meaning: of, relating to, or derived from milk (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| láctico | /ˈlaɡtiko/ |
| lácteo | /ˈlaɡteo/ |
The term is used to describe something that is of, relating to or derived from milk.
Which one should you use?
While both words relate to milk, lácteo is the standard adjective for 'dairy' (for example, dairy products), whereas láctico is used almost exclusively in scientific or chemical contexts (for example, lactic acid).
How do you pronounce it?
The IPA pronunciation is /ˈlaɡtiko/.
Did you know?
- If you are describing the 'Milky Way' galaxy in Spanish, you would use the term Vía Láctea, employing the same Latin root found in láctico.
- The word lácteo can be used as a masculine noun in the plural, los lácteos, to mean 'dairy products' without needing the word 'products'.
- While láctico is used for 'lactic acid', if you want to describe a 'milk chocolate', you must use chocolate con leche rather than any form of láctico.
Examples in context
- Este alimento contiene ácido lácticoThis food contains lactic acid
- Estos ejercicios generan ácido lácticoThese exercises generate lactic acid
- Los productos lácteos contienen ácido lácticoDairy products contain lactic acid
- Después de hacer ejercicio, los músculos pueden sentirse adoloridos debido al ácido láctico acumuladoAfter exercising, muscles can feel sore due to accumulated lactic acid
- El yogur es una excelente fuente de bacterias lácticas beneficiosas para el sistema digestivoYogurt is an excellent source of beneficial lactic bacteria for the digestive system
- ácido lácticoLactic acid
- El ácido láctico se acumula en los músculos.Lactic acid accumulates in the muscles.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are discussing their intense workout at the gym.
- María¿Sientes mucho cansancio en las piernas, Mateo?Do you feel a lot of tiredness in your legs, Mateo?
- MateoSí, creo que es el ácido láctico.Yes, I think it is the lactic acid.
- MaríaEs normal tras un entrenamiento tan fuerte.It is normal after such a strong workout.
- MateoTienes razón, María, necesito descansar.You are right, María, I need to rest.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lactic” translations and entries láctico, lácteo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
