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apetito

ah-peh-TEE-toh/apeˈtito/

“apetito” means “appetite” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

appetite

Also: hunger
NounmA1
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration of a small, smiling child sitting at a table looking eagerly at a steaming bowl of soup.

📝 In Action

Tengo mucho apetito después de correr.

A1

I have a big appetite after running.

¿Perdiste el apetito? No has comido casi nada.

A2

Did you lose your appetite? You haven't eaten hardly anything.

El olor del pan recién hecho me abrió el apetito.

B1

The smell of freshly baked bread whetted my appetite.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • saciedad (satiety/fullness)

Common Collocations

  • abrir el apetito – to whet the appetite
  • perder el apetito – to lose one's appetite
  • buen apetito – good appetite

appetite

Also: zest, craving
NounmB1
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration of a small character standing on a hill, looking with great excitement and longing toward a distant, brightly colored red kite flying high in the blue sky.

📝 In Action

Ella tiene un apetito insaciable de conocimiento.

B2

She has an insatiable appetite for knowledge.

Su ambición le dio un gran apetito de poder.

B1

His ambition gave him a great appetite for power.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • apetito de poder – appetite for power
  • apetito sexual – sexual appetite/drive

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "apetito" in Spanish:

appetite→craving→hunger→zest→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: apetito

Question 1 of 2

Which phrase correctly expresses that you are hungry?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
apetitoso(appetizing) — Adjective
apetecer(to crave/to appeal to) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes directly from the Latin word *appetitus*, which literally meant 'desire' or 'craving.' Its root is the verb *appetere*, meaning 'to seek after' or 'to strive for,' linking the idea of hunger to a strong, active pursuit.

First recorded: Around the 13th century in Spanish.

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: appetitoEnglish: appetiteFrench: appétit

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Frequently Asked Questions

¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'hambre' y 'apetito'?

'Hambre' (hunger) is the basic, physiological need to eat. 'Apetito' (appetite) is the psychological desire or the enjoyment of eating. You can have 'hambre' but no 'apetito' if you are sick, or vice-versa.

How do I say 'Bon appétit' in Spanish?

The most common and friendly way to wish someone a good meal is '¡Que aproveche!' (May it be beneficial/enjoyable to you!). You can also say '¡Buen provecho!'