sabor a
/saboɾ a/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "taste of" is sabor a.
This phrase is used to describe when a food or drink has a particular flavor. For example, you can use it with adjectives such as amargo (bitter), salado (salty), ácido (sour), picante (spicy) or suave (mild).
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, sabor a translates to "flavor to" rather than "flavor of".
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, you use the preposition a after sabor to indicate what something tastes like, whereas English uses "of" or "like".
How do you pronounce it?
/saboɾ a/
When do people say it?
If you want to express colloquially that something tastes delicious, you can say Está rico/a.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the verb saber functions as both 'to know' and 'to taste'. This means that if you say Sabe a gloria, you are literally saying 'It knows to glory', which is a common way to say something tastes heavenly.
- The root of sabor is actually connected to the English word 'sapient', meaning wise. This is because both come from a concept of 'knowing' or 'tasting' the truth through experience.
- While sabor a describes a flavor, the verb saborear is often used to describe the act of savoring a moment or a victory, not just food.
Examples in context
- El sabor de este vino es exquisitoThe taste of this wine is exquisite
- Me gusta el gusto particular de los platos picantesI like the particular taste of spicy dishes
- Esta salsa sabe a tomateThis sauce tastes like tomato
- Esta pizza está ricaThis pizza tastes delicious
- Tiene sabor a fresa.It tastes like strawberry.
- Esta sopa tiene un sabor a limón muy rico.This soup has a very delicious lemon taste.
- El helado tiene un extraño sabor a menta.The ice cream has a strange mint taste.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are trying a new dessert in a cafe.
- Alejandro¿Te gusta este pastel de fresa?Do you like this strawberry cake?
- ElenaSí, pero tiene un fuerte sabor a vainilla.Yes, but it has a strong vanilla taste.
- AlejandroA mí me encanta ese sabor a vainilla.I love that vanilla taste.
- ElenaPues, para mí es demasiado dulce.Well, for me it is too sweet.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, sabor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
