Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tarta | /ˈtaɾta/ | feminine |
| pastel | /pasˈtel/ | masculine |
| pay | /ˈpai/ | masculine |
These terms are used to describe various types of pastries, cakes or pies depending on the specific dessert and the region where you are speaking.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word often depends on your location and the specific type of dessert. In Spain, tarta is the standard term for both pie and cake, while pastel typically refers to smaller pastries or cakes. In many parts of Latin America, pastel is the common word for a cake, while tarta may refer specifically to a tart or a fruit pie. The form pay is also a masculine option for pie.
Is it said differently in some regions?
As noted, in Spain, tarta is the primary word for pies and cakes, whereas in many Latin American countries, pastel is more frequently used for cake.
How does it change in a sentence?
The words pastel and pay are masculine nouns, while tarta is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtaɾta/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Me gusta el pastel.I like pie.This sentence shows how to express a preference for pastel.Tatoeba #9177009 by ignacio, translation #9065989 by ajaystxus
- ¿Hay tarta de manzana?Do you have apple pie?This sentence is useful for asking if a specific fruit pie, using tarta, is available.Tatoeba #7468977 by arh, translation #7558211 by koyakun
- ¿Alguien quiere más tarta?Does anyone want some more pie?This sentence demonstrates how to offer more tarta to others.Tatoeba #481961 by Shishir, translation #30502 by CK
- Me encantaría probar una torta de manzana en el restaurante elegante.I would love to try an apple pie at the fancy restaurant.
- El postre de la cena será una deliciosa tarta de limón.The dinner dessert will be a delicious lemon pie.
- Pastel de carneMeat pie
- Pastel de manzanaApple pie
- Pastel de polloChicken pie
- Me encanta la empanada de pollo que venden en el mercado.I love the chicken pie they sell at the market.
- Voy a comprar un pay de fresa para el postre.I'm going to buy a strawberry pie for dessert.
- ¡Esta noche cenaremos una deliciosa tarta de calabaza!Tonight we'll have a delicious pumpkin pie for dinner!
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are sharing a dessert at home.
- Elena¿Te gusta esta tarta, Daniel?Do you like this pie, Daniel?
- DanielSí, la tarta está excelente.Yes, the pie is excellent.
- ElenaMe alegra que te guste tanto.I'm glad you like it so much.
- DanielEs la mejor tarta que he probado.It is the best pie I have ever tasted.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pie” translations and entries tarta, pastel, pay, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pastel, pay, tarta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
