pastel
/pasˈtel/
The English word "pastry" is translated into Spanish as pastel.
The term pastel refers to a baked food item. In many contexts, it is specifically used to mean a cake. Additionally, the related word pastelería can refer to the art of pastry making or to the physical pastry shop itself.
Meaning: baked food item (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the English word "pastry" can refer to various small baked goods, the Spanish word pastel is most commonly used to refer to a cake.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, concha is used to describe sweet bread rolls that are typically decorated with a sugary topping shaped like a shell. In Argentina, the term facturas is used to describe various sweet pastries, including croissants and other delicacies like medialunas.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of pastel is pasteles.
How do you pronounce it?
/pasˈtel/
Did you know?
- In Argentina, facturas are the go-to breakfast pastries. The word literally translates to 'invoices', though it has nothing to do with billing in a culinary context.
- The Spanish word pastel is a cognate of the English word 'pastel' used for crayons or paints. Both words share a root referring to a paste-like consistency.
- While pastel means cake in most of Latin America, in Spain people more commonly use the word tarta for the same dessert.
Examples in context
- Tom es un chef pastelero.Tom is a pastry chef.This sentence uses pastel to describe a professional role.Tatoeba #5147796 by albrusgher, translation #4565926 by Hybrid
- ¿Cuánta miel usas para este pastel?How much honey do you use for this pastry?This sentence uses pastel to ask about an ingredient in a baked item.Tatoeba #10310817 by saverius, translation #408040 by Dorenda
- Desde mi niñez soné con ser un pastelero.From childhood I dreamt of being a pastry cook.This sentence uses pastel to describe a career dream.Tatoeba #5147845 by albrusgher, translation #898128 by sacredceltic
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are at a bakery.
- MaríaMira este pastel de chocolate.Look at this chocolate cake.
- JavierSe ve delicioso, María.It looks delicious, María.
- MaríaCompremos un pastel para el postre.Let's buy a cake for dessert.
- JavierMe parece una idea excelente.I think that's an excellent idea.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pastel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pastel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
