How to Say You're Vegetarian or Vegan in Spanish (Like a Native!)

Imagine this: you're in a beautiful, bustling plaza in Mexico City, the air filled with the delicious smells of street food. You're hungry and ready to explore the local cuisine, but there's one small hurdle... how do you explain that you don't eat meat? If you want to brush up on related terms, check out our guide on food and meals.

Communicating dietary needs can be stressful in any new language, but don't worry! With a few key phrases, you can navigate menus and conversations in Spanish with confidence. This guide will give you the exact words you need to explain that you're vegetarian or vegan, ensuring your culinary adventures are both delicious and stress-free.

The Absolute Basics: "I am Vegetarian/Vegan"

Let's start with the most important sentence. The words for vegetarian and vegan are very similar to English, which is great news!

• Vegetarian: vegetarianovegetarian (for a male) / vegetarianavegetarian (for a female)
• Vegan: veganovegan (for a male) / veganavegan (for a female)

Notice the "-o" and "-a" endings? In Spanish, adjectives must agree with the gender of the person they describe. So, you'll say:

• Soy vegetariano. (I am a vegetarian - if you're male)
• Soy vegetariana. (I am a vegetarian - if you're female)
• Soy vegano. (I am a vegan - if you're male)
• Soy vegana. (I am a vegan - if you're female)

Explaining What You Don't Eat

Sometimes, just saying you're vegetarian isn't enough. In some places, "meat" (carne) might only refer to red meat, and a dish could still contain chicken or fish broth. Being specific is your best tool.

The magic phrase is No como... (I don't eat...). If you want to practice conjugating verbs like comer, review our guide on present tense - regular -er and -ir verbs.

Here's a list of words you can use after that phrase:

For Vegetarians:

• No como carne. (I don't eat meat.)
• No como pollo. (I don't eat chicken.)
• No como pescado. (I don't eat fish.)
• No como mariscos. (I don't eat seafood.)

For Vegans (add these to the list above):

• No como huevos. (I don't eat eggs.)
• No como lácteos. (I don't eat dairy products.)
• No como queso. (I don't eat cheese.)
• No como miel. (I don't eat honey.)

A powerful phrase for vegans is: No como ningún producto de origen animal. (I don't eat any product of animal origin.)

Asking Questions at a Restaurant

Now you're ready to order! Being proactive and asking questions is the best way to ensure your meal is right for you. For more tips on socializing and relationships in Spanish, check out our vocabulary guide.

Here are some essential questions to have in your back pocket:

• ¿Tiene opciones vegetarianas/veganas? (Do you have vegetarian/vegan options?)

• ¿Este plato lleva carne? (Does this dish have meat?)

• ¿Se puede hacer sin queso, por favor? (Can it be made without cheese, please?)

Let's test your knowledge!

Dealing with Specific Scenarios

Sometimes you need to be a little more specific, especially with hidden ingredients.

• Broth: "Is the soup made with vegetable broth?" ¿La sopa está hecha con caldo de verduras?

• Lard: "Is this cooked with lard?" (Common in some traditional Mexican dishes) ¿Esto está cocinado con manteca?

• Tuna/Ham: "Does the salad have tuna?" (Sometimes atún or jamón are not considered carne) ¿La ensalada lleva atún?

Let's practice putting a sentence together. Unscramble the words below to form a common request.

You're Ready to Go!

Communicating your dietary needs in Spanish might seem daunting at first, but it's all about learning a few key patterns. Start with the basics like Soy vegetariano/a and No como carne, and build from there.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Most restaurant staff will be happy to help you find a delicious meal that fits your diet. ¡Buen provecho!