refresco
/reˈfɾesko/
The English phrase 'pop' (referring to a soda pop) is translated into Spanish as refresco.
The word refresco is used to refer to carbonated soft drinks. Unlike the English 'pop' or 'soda', which can refer specifically to the drink, refresco is a more general term for any cold, non-alcoholic beverage used to refresh oneself.
Meaning: soda pop (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
refresco is the standard term used in Spain and Mexico for carbonated soft drinks.
How do you pronounce it?
/reˈfɾesko/
Did you know?
- In some Caribbean countries, a refresco is often a homemade, non-carbonated drink made from fruit and water, which is the opposite of an American 'pop'.
- While refresco is common, in many Latin American countries, people will simply call the drink soda or even gaseosa instead.
- The word refresco is actually a verb turned into a noun, derived from the action of cooling or refreshing oneself with refrescar.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría tomar una soda, por favor.I would like to have a soda, please.
- ¿Tienes algún refresco?Do you have any soda?
- El globo estalló de repente.The balloon popped suddenly.
- La caja hizo un ruido de estallido al abrirse.The box made a popping sound when it opened.
- Prefiero un refresco frío.I prefer a cold soda.
- ¿Quieres un refresco de limón?Do you want a lemon soda?
- No hay más refresco en la nevera.There is no more soda in the fridge.
Example conversation
At a small restaurant during lunch.
- Elena¿Vas a pedir un refresco, Javier?Are you going to order a soda, Javier?
- JavierSí, quiero un refresco de naranja.Yes, I want an orange soda.
- ElenaPerfecto, yo pediré agua.Perfect, I will order water.
- JavierEstá bien, Elena.That is fine, Elena.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry refresco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries refresco, CC BY-SA 4.0.
