masticar
/mastiˈkaɾ/
To munch in Spanish is masticar.
Meaning: to chew (verb)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term tapear refers to the tradition of enjoying tapas, small savory dishes and snacks while socializing. In Mexico, botanear is a common regional variation for munching or snacking.
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular preterite (past tense) of masticar is masticó. The gerund form of masticar is masticando.
How do you pronounce it?
/mastiˈkaɾ/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if someone is 'masticando' their words, it does not mean they are eating, but rather that they are speaking unclearly or mumbling.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the word mascar is used instead of masticar to describe chewing something that is not food, such as a piece of rubber or a pencil.
- The English word 'masticate' is a direct linguistic cousin to masticar, as both descend from the Latin 'masticāre'.
Examples in context
- Es importante masticar bien la comida.It is important to chew the food well.
- Debes masticar despacio para no atragantarte.You should chew slowly so you don't choke.
- Él no puede masticar sin hacer ruido.He cannot chew without making noise.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are eating lunch together.
- MaríaMateo, no hables mientras masticar la manzana.Mateo, don't talk while chewing the apple.
- MateoPerdón, es que está muy rica.Sorry, it's just that it's very tasty.
- MaríaEstá bien, pero termina de masticar primero.That's fine, but finish chewing first.
- MateoTienes razón, ya terminé.You're right, I'm done now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry masticar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries masticar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
