Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| agrio | /ˈaɡɾjo/ |
| ácido | /ˈaθido/ /ˈasido/ |
| acedo | /aˈθedo/ /aˈsedo/ |
| chocoya | /t͡ʃoˈkoʝa/ |
These terms are used to describe something with an acidic, sharp or tangy taste. If you are referring to the physical sensation of heartburn or stomach acidity, use the noun acidez. To describe the process of food or liquids spoiling or becoming sour, use the reflexive verb agriarse or alternatively acedarse or acidificarse.
Which one should you use?
While both can be used for sourness, ácido is the most common way to describe a sharp, acidic taste such as that of citrus fruit. In contrast, agrio often carries a connotation of something being spoiled or fermented, such as sour milk.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, agrio must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes, taking the forms agrio, agria, agrios or agrias.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaɡɾjo/
Did you know?
- The word agrio can be used to describe a person's personality or mood, meaning they are grumpy, sour or caustic.
- The term acedo is directly descended from the Latin word acētum, which is the root of the English word 'vinegar'.
- The word agrio shares its roots with the English word 'acerbic', which also describes something sharp or biting in tone.
Examples in context
- El limón es ácido.Lemon is sour.This sentence shows how to use ácido with a singular noun.Tatoeba #971467 by Shishir, translation #29487 by al_ex_an_der
- Los limones son ácidos.Lemons are sour.This sentence shows how to use ácido with a plural noun.Tatoeba #598218 by Leono, translation #435751 by CK
- Si le añades limón, se pondrá ácido.If you add lemon, it will become sour.This sentence shows how to use ácido to describe a change in state.Tatoeba #1226378 by marcelostockle, translation #29484 by al_ex_an_der
- Esta naranja está ácidaThis orange is sour
- Este vinagre tiene un sabor agríoThis vinegar has a sour taste
- Estas uvas están aciditasThese grapes are sour
- Esta manzana está ácida, prefiero otra más dulce.This apple is sour, I prefer a sweeter one.
- Me gusta el yogurt cuando tiene un toque acidito.I like yogurt when it has a slight sourness.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are tasting a new sauce in the kitchen.
- MateoPrueba esto, ¿está muy agrio?Try this, is it too sour?
- MaríaSí, el sabor es demasiado agrio.Yes, the taste is too sour.
- MateoLe pondré un poco de azúcar.I will add a bit of sugar to it.
- MaríaBuena idea, Mateo.Good idea, Mateo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sour” translations and entries agrio, ácido, acedo, chocoya, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries acedo, agrio, chocoya, ácido, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
