vegetariano
/bexetaˈɾjano/masculine
The English word "vegetarian" is translated into Spanish as vegetariano.
As a noun, vegetariano refers to a person who does not eat any animal flesh. It can also be used as an adjective to describe a person who avoids meat or to describe a product that uses non-meat substitutes in place of meat.
Meaning: person who does not eat any animal flesh (noun)
Which one should you use?
While vegetariano refers specifically to someone who avoids meat, the term vegano is used for a person who avoids all animal-derived products, such as dairy and eggs.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes its ending to match the gender and number of the person or group being described. Use vegetariano for a male, vegetariana for a female, vegetarianos for a group of men or a mixed-gender group and vegetarianas for a group consisting only of women.
How do you pronounce it?
/bexetaˈɾjano/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, you might hear someone use the word vegetal to describe something plant-based, but calling a person a vegetal would be a strange insult implying they are a mere plant.
- In some Latin American countries, a vegetariano might be jokingly called a herbívoro ('herbivore') in casual conversation.
- The spelling of vegetariano includes a 'v', which is a common source of confusion for learners because 'v' and 'b' sound nearly identical in Spanish.
Examples in context
- León Tolstói era vegetariano.Leo Tolstoy was a vegetarian.This sentence uses vegetariano to state a historical fact about Leo Tolstoy.Tatoeba #3235994 by hayastan, translation #3236038 by _undertoad
- Tomás también es vegetariano.Tom is also a vegetarian.This sentence uses vegetariano to describe Tom's dietary habits.Tatoeba #5056511 by don_ramon, translation #5054923 by CK
- ¿Es usted vegetariano o vegano?Are you vegetarian or vegan?This sentence uses vegetariano to ask a person about their dietary preference in contrast to being a vegan.Tatoeba #656375 by MondCivitano, translation #2230195 by jgauthier
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are deciding what to order at a restaurant.
- MateoYo soy vegetariano.I am a vegetarian.
- Lucía¿Tienes hambre ahora, Mateo?Are you hungry now, Mateo?
- MateoSí, busco un plato vegetariano.Yes, I am looking for a vegetarian dish.
- LucíaPerfecto, hay una ensalada deliciosa.Perfect, there is a delicious salad.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vegetarian” translations and entries vegetariano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
