una copa
/una kopa/from spelling rules
In Spanish, one drink is una copa.
una copa is an informal way to refer to one drink or a glass of a specific beverage, such as wine. You may also use un trago informally to mean one drink, or un refresco when referring specifically to a soft drink.
Which one should you use?
While una copa specifically refers to a drink served in a glass, such as wine or a cocktail, una bebida is the more general term for any beverage. Additionally, if the drink is specifically a beer, a native speaker is much more likely to say una cerveza rather than una copa.
Did you know?
- While una copa refers to a drink, the word copa also means 'top' or 'crown'. This is why the canopy of a tree is called la copa del árbol.
- The word copa for 'a drink' shares its roots with the word for 'trophy' or 'cup' in sports, as both derive from the idea of a ceremonial vessel.
- The word trago comes from the verb tragar, which means 'to swallow'. This makes un trago literally 'one swallow'.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría pedir una bebida, por favor.I would like to order one drink, please.
- ¿Podría traerme un trago, por favor?Could you bring me one drink, please?
- Vamos a salir a tomar una copa esta nocheLet's go out for a drink tonight.
- ¿Me consigues un trago más?Can you get me one more drink?
- En este bar sirven unos copazos increíblesThey serve amazing large drinks in this bar.
- Ella pidió una copa de vino.She ordered one glass of wine.
- ¿Quieres tomar una copa conmigo?Do you want to have one drink with me?
- Solo me queda una copa en la mesa.I only have one glass left on the table.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are at a rooftop bar.
- DanielElena, ¿quieres tomar una copa?Elena, do you want to have a drink?
- ElenaSí, me encantaría.Yes, I would love to.
- DanielYo pediré una copa para cada uno.I will order one drink for each of us.
- ElenaGracias, Daniel.Thanks, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
