refresco
standard
In Puerto Rico a soft drink is a refresco. People also say soda in casual talk, and both are understood. It is also called Gaseosa.
Meaning: fizzy soft drink (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| refresco | standard |
| Soda | casual |
| Gaseosa | other countries |
Ask for un refresco frío in a restaurant. At home, una soda is a natural alternative.
Which one should you use?
Carbonated water is agua con gas or agua mineral, not soda in the sense of a sweet drink.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Gaseosa is common in Colombia, Peru and Argentina. In Mexico people may say refresco and sometimes soda. Puerto Ricans understand them all.
Did you know?
- Soft drinks in Spanish are often called refrescos because the word means refreshments.
Examples in context
- Quiero un refresco frío.I want a cold soda.
- Me tomé una soda con la pizza.I drank a soda with the pizza.
- No tomo muchos refrescos.I do not drink many sodas.
Example conversation
Friends Gaby and Lalo order lunch at a fast food place in Carolina.
- GabyLalo, ¿qué vas a tomar?Lalo, what will you drink?
- LaloUn refresco de limón.A lemon soda.
- GabyYo prefiero agua, gracias.I prefer water, thanks.
