bocadito
/bokadito/from spelling rules
The English phrase "little snack" is translated into Spanish as bocadito.
Bocadito is used to describe a small amount of food eaten between main meals.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a diminutive of bocado, which means "bite" or "mouthful".
Which one should you use?
Bocado refers to a single bite or mouthful, whereas bocadito implies a small, pleasant snack or morsel. Furthermore, while bocadito refers to the food itself, aperitivo is often used to refer to the social act of having a small snack or drink before a meal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of bocadito is bocaditos, which is formed by adding -s to the singular diminutive.
How do you pronounce it?
/bokadito/
Did you know?
- While bocadito is a small snack, the similar word bocadillo specifically refers to a sandwich made with a crusty baguette, which is a staple lunch for students and workers in Spain.
- At a Spanish party, you might see a spread of small bites called pica-pica, which comes from the verb 'picar', meaning 'to peck' or 'to nibble'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word bocado is also used in the expression un bocado de realidad, which means 'a mouthful of reality' or a rude awakening.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría ofrecerles un aperitivo antes de la cena.I would like to offer you a little snack before dinner.
- Después de la reunión, podemos disfrutar de un bocado en la cafetería.After the meeting, we can enjoy a little snack at the cafeteria.
- Podemos hacer un poco de picoteo mientras vemos la película.We can have a little snack while watching the movie.
- Vamos a comprar algunos tentempiés para el viaje en coche.Let's buy some little snacks for the car trip.
- Este bocadito está delicioso.This little snack is delicious.
- Tengo un bocadito en mi mochila.I have a little snack in my backpack.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are taking a break from studying.
- JavierTengo hambre, Sofía.I am hungry, Sofía.
- SofíaYo también, Javier.Me too, Javier.
- Javier¿Quieres un bocadito?Do you want a little snack?
- SofíaSí, por favor.Yes, please.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bocadito, 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.
