botana
everyday, Mexico
In Mexico a snack is often a botana. The word usually means something small to nibble with drinks or while watching a match. It is also called refrigerio and colación.
Meaning: small bite between meals (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| botana | everyday, Mexico |
| refrigerio | formal |
| colación | school |
A botana can be peanuts, chips with lime and chili, or small plates served with drinks. For a light bite between meals you can also say un bocadillo or just algo de comer.
Which one should you use?
In Spain bocadillo means a sandwich on a baguette, so it is not the word to use for a snack in Mexico. Antojito is a different idea, a savory street food like a taco or a sope.
How does it change in a sentence?
Botana is feminine: una botana.
Did you know?
- In many Mexican restaurants and bars, free botanas arrive with the drinks you order.
Examples in context
- Trae una botana para ver el partido.Bring a snack to watch the game.
- Pedimos unas botanas con las bebidas.We ordered some snacks with the drinks.
- ¿Quieres una botana?Do you want a snack?
Example conversation
Friends Jorge and Lalo set up for a football match at Jorge's place in Tijuana.
- JorgeLalo, ¿trajiste la botana?Lalo, did you bring the snack?
- LaloSí, cacahuates y chicharrones.Yes, peanuts and pork rinds.
- JorgePerfecto, ya va a empezar el partido.Perfect, the match is about to start.
