aceite
“aceite” means “oil” in Spanish (cooking or general liquid substance).
oil
Also: lubricant, petroleum
📝 In Action
Necesito un poco de aceite de oliva para la ensalada.
A1I need a little olive oil for the salad.
El coche necesita un cambio de aceite pronto.
A2The car needs an oil change soon.
Este aceite corporal huele a lavanda.
B1This body oil smells like lavender.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: aceite
Question 1 of 2
Which Spanish article must be used with 'aceite'?
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👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Aceite comes from the Arabic word *az-zayt*, meaning 'the oil' or 'the olive juice.' This highlights the historical importance of the olive tree in the Mediterranean region.
First recorded: Around the 10th century (in early Romance languages)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'aceite' always used for food?
No. While it's very common in cooking (aceite de oliva), it is also used for mechanical oil (aceite de motor) and cosmetic oils (aceite corporal). The context usually makes the meaning clear.
How is 'aceite' different from 'grasa'?
Aceite is a liquid, usually poured (oil). Grasa is a solid or semi-solid substance at room temperature, like lard or thick grease. They both refer to fatty substances, but 'aceite' is fluid.