Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| merienda | /meˈɾjenda/ | feminine |
| tentempié | /tentemˈpje/ | masculine |
| refrigerio | /refɾiˈxeɾjo/ | masculine |
| botana | /boˈtana/ | Mexico, feminine |
| piquislabis | /pikislabis/ (from spelling rules) | Southern Spain, masculine |
| piscolabis | /piskolabis/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| refacción | /refaɡˈθjon/ /refaɡˈsjon/ |
Guatemala, masculine |
| refección | /refeɡˈθjon/ /refeɡˈsjon/ |
feminine |
| mecato | /mekato/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
A snack is an item of food eaten between meals. You can use the verb picar to describe the act of snacking or eating small amounts of food between meals.
Which one should you use?
While 'snack' is a general term, merienda specifically refers to a light meal eaten in the late afternoon. On the other hand, bocado refers to a single bite or a small morsel of food, whereas merienda refers to the meal occasion itself.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, botana is the standard term for snacks, often referring to salty finger foods or appetizers. In Colombia, mecato is used to refer to snacks or small treats. In Guatemala, refacción is a masculine term for a snack, while refección is its feminine form. In some regions of Spain, tentempié refers to a small snack or refreshment enjoyed between meals. In Southern Spain, piquislabis is a masculine term for a snack. In Argentina, picada is a popular term for a snack, often denoting an extensive spread of assorted savory snacks.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb merendar is the specific action of eating a merienda. Other related verbs for eating a light meal or eating between meals include comiscar, comisquear, mecatear and picar.
How do you pronounce it?
/meˈɾjenda/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word tentempié literally translates to 'try to stand' or 'keep yourself standing'.
- The Spanish verb picar is used to describe the act of snacking, which literally means 'to peck' like a bird.
- The Colombian term mecato is often used specifically for sweets and small treats rather than just any food.
Examples in context
- Vamos a hacer una pausa para la merienda.We are going to have a break for a snack.This sentence is useful for describing taking a break for a snack.Tatoeba #1293070 by hayastan, translation #2767562 by catcher
- Puedes tomarte un tentempié mientras tanto.You can have a snack in the meantime.This sentence is useful for suggesting someone have a snack in the meantime.Tatoeba #10094999 by manufrutos, translation #10094783 by ddnktr
- Tengo algo de pudin de natillas para la merienda.I had some custard pudding for an afternoon snack.This sentence is useful for mentioning what you had for an afternoon snack.Tatoeba #5047081 by albrusgher, translation #64832 by CK
- ¿Tiene alguna merienda disponible?Do you have any snacks available?
- ¿Alguien quiere picotear algo?Does anyone want to snack on something?
- ¡Estos tacos son deliciosos! Son perfectos para el picoteo entre comidas.These tacos are delicious! They're perfect for snacking between meals.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are talking in the afternoon.
- Elena¿Quieres comer una merienda conmigo?Do you want to have a snack with me?
- AlejandroSí, tengo mucha hambre ahora.Yes, I am very hungry now.
- ElenaTengo fruta y galletas para la merienda.I have fruit and cookies for the snack.
- AlejandroPerfecto, suena muy bien.Perfect, that sounds great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “snack” translations and entries merienda, tentempié, refrigerio, botana, piquislabis, piscolabis, refacción, refección, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bocado, botana, refrigerio, tentempié, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
