barra de pan
/ˌbara de ˈpan/
The English phrase 'loaf of bread' is translated into Spanish as barra de pan.
barra de pan refers specifically to a shaped piece of bread that has been baked as a single unit. In a bakery setting, speakers often shorten the phrase to just una barra if it is already clear they are talking about bread. While barra de pan describes the specific unit, the more general term for bread used in most contexts is el pan.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'bar of bread', where barra refers to the long, cylindrical shape of the loaf.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of Latin America, you may hear flauta or bolillo used to refer to a loaf of bread.
How does it change in a sentence?
barra de pan is a count noun phrase, so you use the indefinite article una to specify a single loaf, as in una barra de pan.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌbara de ˈpan/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Ella compró una barra de pan esta mañana.She bought a loaf of bread this morning.This sentence shows how to use barra de pan to describe a purchase made in the morning.Tatoeba #2579167 by teskmon, translation #242157 by CK
- En la tienda compré una barra de pan recién horneada.In the store, I bought a freshly baked loaf of bread.
- La hogaza de pan que compré en la panadería era deliciosa.The loaf of bread I bought at the bakery was delicious.
- ¿Puedes comprar un pan en la tienda?Can you buy a loaf of bread at the store?
- Necesito una barra de pan para la cena.I need a loaf of bread for dinner.
- Esa barra de pan parece muy fresca.That loaf of bread looks very fresh.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are at a local bakery.
- Mateo¿Quieres comprar una barra de pan?Do you want to buy a loaf of bread?
- MaríaSí, Mateo, por favor.Yes, Mateo, please.
- MateoEsta barra de pan es la más grande.This loaf of bread is the largest one.
- MaríaEs perfecta para nosotros.It is perfect for us.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry barra de pan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries barra, de, pan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
