aparte
/aˈpaɾte/
In Spanish, "on the side" is translated as aparte when referring to food served separately from a main course.
When ordering food, use aparte to request that a sauce, dressing or side dish be served in a separate container rather than being poured over the main dish.
Meaning: separate from the main course of a meal (prep_phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The word aparte literally means "aside" or "separately".
How does it change in a sentence?
While aparte is a common way to express this, you can also use the phrase por separado to indicate that something should be served separately.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈpaɾte/
Did you know?
- The word aparte can function as a noun in literature to mean a 'soliloquy' or an 'aside', where a character speaks directly to the audience while other characters pretend not to hear.
- Describing a person as aparte can be a subtle social critique, suggesting they are not just 'different' but are actually socially detached, eccentric, or aloof from the rest of the group.
- In some Latin American countries, saying a un lado might be used for physical location, but if you use it for food, a waiter might think you want the dish placed physically next to yours rather than in a separate bowl.
Examples in context
- Necesito hablar contigo aparte.I need to talk to you on the side.
- Podemos hacer esto, y de manera adicional, podemos organizar algo más para el evento.We can do this, and on the side, we can organize something else for the event.
- La salsa aparte, por favor.The sauce on the side, please.
- Quiero la salsa aparte, por favor.I want the sauce on the side, please.
- Trae el aderezo aparte.Bring the dressing on the side.
Example conversation
Javier and María are ordering food at a restaurant.
- Javier¿Quieres la ensalada con la carne?Do you want the salad with the meat?
- MaríaNo, prefiero la ensalada aparte.No, I prefer the salad on the side.
- JavierMuy bien, pediré la ensalada aparte.Very well, I will ask for the salad on the side.
- MaríaGracias, Javier.Thanks, Javier.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry aparte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
