Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sobras | /ˈsobɾas/ | feminine, plural |
| restos | /ˈrestos/ | masculine, plural |
| migajas | /miˈɡaxas/ | feminine, plural |
| relieves | /reljebes/ (from spelling rules) | masculine, plural |
| sobejos | /sobexos/ (from spelling rules) | masculine, plural |
| retallón | /retaʝon/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| piltrafas | /piltɾafas/ (from spelling rules) | feminine, plural |
The term sobras is the most common way to refer to food remaining after a meal. Note that while it is the standard term, it can occasionally carry a slightly negative connotation of 'scraps' if the food is being described as barely edible.
Which one should you use?
Use sobras for general food leftovers from a meal. Do not confuse it with restos, which often refers to the remains or debris of something else, such as archaeological remains. While migajas can be translated as crumbs, it specifically refers to tiny pieces like breadcrumbs rather than a portion of leftover food. Other forms include relieves, sobejos, retallón and piltrafas.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you need to be formal, such as in a professional or technical context, you can use the phrases restos de comida (food remnants) or alimentos sobrantes (remaining food). The term retallón is colloquial.
How does it change in a sentence?
sobras is a feminine plural noun. Because of this, any adjectives used with it must agree in gender and number, such as las sobras ricas (the delicious leftovers).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsobɾas/
Did you know?
- While sobras is common, using the word sobras to describe a person can be a harsh insult, implying they are 'leftover' or 'useless scraps' of a human being.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, sobras are traditionally eaten the next day as part of a custom called el recalentado. This is especially common during Christmas and New Year's celebrations.
- The verb from which sobras is derived, sobrar, describes more than just excess food. It can be used to tell someone they are 'too much' or completely unnecessary in a specific situation.
Examples in context
- Tom me dio las sobrasTom gave me the leftovers.This sentence shows how to use sobras to indicate someone gave the speaker the leftovers.Tatoeba #10106269 by manufrutos, translation #9240653 by DJ_Saidez
- No quiero comer sobras.I don't want to eat leftovers.This sentence shows a refusal to eat sobras.Tatoeba #10106304 by manufrutos, translation #6261059 by CK
- No quería comer sobras.I didn't want to eat leftovers.This sentence uses sobras to express a past refusal to eat leftovers.Tatoeba #10106306 by manufrutos, translation #6259276 by CK
- ¿Hay sobras de la cena?Are there any leftovers from dinner?
- Comí lo que sobró del almuerzoI ate what was left from lunch
- Las sobras están en el refrigeradorThe leftovers are in the refrigerator
- ¿Quieres comer las sobras de anoche?Do you want to eat last night's leftovers?
- Podemos calentar los restos de comida para la cenaWe can reheat the food remnants for dinner
- No desperdiciemos los alimentos sobrantes, hagamos un nuevo plato deliciosoLet's not waste the remaining food, let's make a new delicious dish
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are in the kitchen deciding what to eat for lunch.
- Mateo¿Quieres comer las sobras de ayer?Do you want to eat yesterday's leftovers?
- MaríaNo, prefiero cocinar algo nuevo.No, I prefer to cook something new.
- MateoEstá bien, yo preparo la cena.Okay, I will prepare dinner.
- MaríaGracias, Mateo, eres muy amable.Thanks, Mateo, you are very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “leftovers” translations and entries sobras, restos, migajas, relieves, sobejos, retallón, piltrafas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
