aperitivos
/apeɾitibos/from spelling rules
The English phrase snacks is translated into Spanish as aperitivos.
Aperitivos refers to snacks or appetizers, often implying light bites served before a meal or during a social gathering.
Which one should you use?
In Mexico, the word botanas is frequently used instead of aperitivos to refer to snacks or appetizers. Additionally, while aperitivos is a noun, the verb picar is often used to describe the act of snacking or eating small bits of food.
How do you pronounce it?
/apeɾitibos/
Did you know?
- In some regions, the word tentempié is used for a snack, which literally translates to 'a support for one's feet', implying a snack that keeps you standing.
- The verb picar literally means 'to peck', like a bird, which is why it is used to describe the act of snacking or 'pecking' at small morsels of food.
- If you are eating botanas in a Mexican bar, you might be participating in a culture of botaneo, which is the social act of moving from one place to another specifically to eat snacks.
Examples in context
- Vamos por ahí, quiero comprar algunas golosinas para disfrutar en el parque.Let's go there, I want to buy some snacks to enjoy in the park.
- ¿Tienen golosinas?Do you have snacks?
- Quiero comprar unas palomitasI want to buy some popcorn
- ¡Qué rica golosina!What a delicious snack!
- Compré varios aperitivos para la fiesta.I bought several snacks for the party.
- ¿Quieres algunos aperitivos mientras vemos la película?Do you want some snacks while we watch the movie?
- Los aperitivos están sobre la mesa.The snacks are on the table.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are preparing for a small gathering at home.
- LucíaMateo, ¿compraste los aperitivos?Mateo, did you buy the snacks?
- MateoSí, Lucía, están en la cocina.Yes, Lucía, they are in the kitchen.
- LucíaPerfecto, voy a servirlos ahora.Perfect, I am going to serve them now.
- MateoMuy bien, yo traigo las bebidas.Very well, I will bring the drinks.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
