sorbete
/soɾˈbete/
The English phrase 'sorbet' is translated into Spanish as sorbete.
sorbete refers to a frozen dessert made from fruit juice.
Meaning: frozen fruit juice (noun)
Which one should you use?
While sorbete refers specifically to fruit-juice based frozen desserts, helado is the general term for ice cream, which typically contains dairy.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Andalusia, granizado may be used instead of sorbete.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of sorbete is sorbetes. You can specify flavors by adding the fruit after the preposition de, such as sorbete de limón (lemon sorbet), sorbete de mango (mango sorbet), sorbete de frambuesa (raspberry sorbet) or sorbete de naranja (orange sorbet).
How do you pronounce it?
/soɾˈbete/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, the word sorbete is also used to describe a drinking straw.
- The linguistic roots of sorbete trace back to the Arabic word šariba, meaning 'to drink', making the dessert's name a literal reference to the act of drinking.
- The word sorbete has a double identity: it can be seen as a dessert or as a diminutive form of the Spanish verb sorber, which means 'to sip' or 'to suck'.
Examples in context
- Me gustan no sólo los helados sino también el sorbete y el yogur helado.I like not only ice cream, but also sorbet and frozen yoghurt.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for sorbete alongside other frozen treats.Tatoeba #436726 by lukaszpp, translation #436725 by lukaszpp
- Me gustaría un sorbete de fresa, por favor.I would like a strawberry sorbet, please.
- El sorbete de limón es muy refrescante.The lemon sorbet is very refreshing.
- ¿Quieres un sorbete de fresa de postre?Do you want a strawberry sorbet for dessert?
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are at a cafe on a hot afternoon.
- MateoHace mucho calor hoy, Lucía.It is very hot today, Lucía.
- LucíaSí, prefiero un sorbete frío.Yes, I prefer a cold sorbet.
- MateoYo también pediré un sorbete de mango.I will also order a mango sorbet.
- LucíaEsa es una excelente idea.That is an excellent idea.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sorbete, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sorbete, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
