Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| rociar | /roˈθjaɾ/ /roθiˈaɾ/ |
| salpicar | /salpiˈkaɾ/ |
| asperjar | /aspeɾˈxaɾ/ |
The verb is used to describe the action of causing something to fall in fine drops. In a cooking context, rociar refers to the act of lightly spraying or misting an ingredient over food. If you are referring to a light rain shower or a drizzle, you can use the nouns llovizna or garúa.
Which one should you use?
While rociar is a neutral term for misting or spraying, asperjar is a specific term used for ceremonial or liturgical purposes, such as the sprinkling of holy water. In Mexico, the verb espolvorear is frequently used to mean sprinkle in both formal and informal settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, people often use espolvorear to mean sprinkle. In parts of South America, such as Peru and Argentina, the word garúa is a common term for a fine drizzle or mist.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/roˈθjaɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb salpicar is a compound of two words: sal, meaning 'salt', and picar, meaning 'to sting' or 'to prick'.
- In Mexico, the word espolvorear is used for sprinkling, which literally translates to 'turning something into dust' polvo.
- In some contexts, salpicar is used figuratively to describe a conversation or a text that is 'sprinkled' with specific words or ideas.
Examples in context
- Para decorar el pastel, espolvorea azúcar glass encima.To decorate the cake, sprinkle powdered sugar on top.
- Antes de hornear las galletas, rocía canela sobre la masa.Before baking the cookies, sprinkle cinnamon on the dough.
- Echa un poco de sal sobre las papas fritas.Put some salt on the french fries.
- Esparce el queso rallado sobre la pasta.Sprinkle the grated cheese over the pasta.
- Puedes espolvorear chile en polvo sobre las frutas.You can sprinkle chili powder on the fruits.
- Debes rociar la planta con un poco de agua.You should sprinkle the plant with a little water.
- Voy a rociar el perfume en mi ropa.I am going to sprinkle my clothes with perfume.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are gardening together.
- ElenaJavier, ¿puedes rociar las flores, por favor?Javier, can you sprinkle the flowers, please?
- JavierSí, Elena, lo haré ahora mismo.Yes, Elena, I will do it right now.
- ElenaNo olvides rociar también los arbustos.Don't forget to sprinkle the shrubs too.
- JavierEstá bien, ya me encargo de todo.Alright, I'll take care of everything.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sprinkle” translations and entries rociar, salpicar, asperjar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries asperjar, rociar, salpicar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
