rubia
/ˈrubja/
The Spanish word for lager is rubia.
The word rubia is used to refer to a type of lager beer.
Meaning: type of beer (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, particularly in Catalonia, Valencia and the Balearic Islands, the informal term caña is used to order a small beer, which can include a lager. In Mexico, chela is a common term for beer in general, including lagers. In Argentina, birra is an informal slang term used for beer, including lagers.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈrubja/
Did you know?
- In Argentina, the slang birra is a phonetic adaptation of the Italian word 'birra', reflecting the massive wave of Italian immigration to the region.
- The slang term chela used in Mexico is believed by some to originate from the word 'chalupa', a type of small boat, or from the term for 'chula' meaning pretty. Regardless of the origin, it is a ubiquitous way to refer to any beer.
- Ordering a caña is often part of a social ritual where people move from bar to bar, drinking one small lager at each stop.
Examples in context
- ¿Me das una cerveza de tipo lager, por favor?May I have a lager beer, please?
- ¿Me pones una caña, por favor?Can I have a small beer, please?
- Esta cerveza rubia está muy fría.This lager is very cold.
- Prefiero una rubia cuando hace calor.I prefer a lager when it is hot.
- Ellos sirven una rubia artesanal aquí.They serve a craft lager here.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are ordering drinks at a sunny outdoor terrace.
- MateoLucía, ¿quieres una cerveza rubia?Lucía, do you want a lager?
- LucíaSí, una rubia sería perfecta.Yes, a lager would be perfect.
- MateoYo también pediré una rubia.I will also order a lager.
- Lucía¡Qué buena idea, Mateo!What a good idea, Mateo!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry rubia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
