sin alcohol
/sin alkool/from spelling rules
The English phrase "no alcohol" is translated into Spanish as sin alcohol.
sin alcohol is used to describe a drink or product that does not contain any alcohol.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition sin (without) and the noun alcohol (alcohol).
Which one should you use?
To indicate a drink contains alcohol, you use the preposition con (with) instead of sin (without).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase sin alcohol is used as an adjective phrase to modify a noun, such as una cerveza sin alcohol (a non-alcoholic beer).
When do people say it?
In Spain, 'No, gracias. No bebo alcohol, soy abstemio(a).' is a common way to emphasize non-drinking status. In Mexico, 'No, gracias. No tomo alcohol.' is a widely used phrase to decline alcoholic drinks.
Did you know?
- The word alcohol actually has roots in the word for 'kohl', the ancient cosmetic powder used for eyeliner. It originally referred to a fine, powdered substance rather than a liquid spirit.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a cerveza sin alcohol is often called a sin for short, such as when ordering dos sins.
- While English speakers say 'non-alcoholic beer', a Spanish speaker will often use the word virgen (virgin) to describe a cocktail that contains no alcohol, such as a mojito virgen.
Examples in context
- Soy abstemio(a). No consumo bebidas alcohólicas.I am a teetotaler. I do not consume any alcoholic beverages.
- Nah, no tomo alcohol.Nah, I don't drink alcohol.
- No, gracias. Estoy bien sin alcohol.No, thank you. I'm fine without alcohol.
- una bebida sin alcoholA non-alcoholic drink
- Este refresco es sin alcohol.This soft drink is alcohol-free.
- Busco una cerveza sin alcohol.I am looking for an alcohol-free beer.
- ¿Tienen algún cóctel sin alcohol?Do you have any alcohol-free cocktails?
Example conversation
Javier and María are ordering drinks at a restaurant.
- JavierMaría, ¿qué quieres beber hoy?María, what do you want to drink today?
- MaríaQuiero un mojito sin alcohol.I want a mojito with no alcohol.
- JavierBuena idea, yo pediré lo mismo.Good idea, I will order the same.
- MaríaPerfecto, vamos a pedir ahora.Perfect, let's order now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alcohol, sin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
