barra
/BAH-rrah (Roll the 'rr' sound strongly)/
bar
The counter where drinks are served.
barra(noun)
bar
?The counter where drinks are served
,pub/bar
?The establishment itself (less common than 'el bar' but used)
counter
?Any long, narrow serving surface
📝 In Action
Pedimos dos cervezas directamente en la barra.
A1We ordered two beers directly at the bar counter.
No encontramos mesa, así que comimos en la barra.
A2We couldn't find a table, so we ate at the counter.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Even though 'bar' (the place) is often 'el bar', the counter/surface is always feminine: 'la barra'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Social Usage
In Spain, 'ir de tapas' often involves standing at 'la barra' and moving around, rather than sitting.
A long, thin piece of solid material.
barra(noun)
rod
?A long, thin piece of solid material
,bar
?A rigid metal or wooden piece
rail
?A horizontal support
,crowbar
?A tool used for prying
📝 In Action
El ladrón usó una barra de hierro para abrir la caja fuerte.
B1The thief used an iron bar to open the safe.
Compramos una barra de pan integral.
A2We bought a loaf of whole wheat bread. (A long, stick-like loaf)
💡 Grammar Points
Metaphorical Extension
The word 'barra' is used for anything long, straight, and solid, including a loaf of bread ('barra de pan') or a stick of makeup ('barra de labios').
The diagonal line mark (/).
barra(noun)
slash
?The diagonal line mark (/)
,bar
?A graphical element like a toolbar
separator
?Used to divide dates or URLs
📝 In Action
Recuerda usar la barra inclinada en la dirección web.
B1Remember to use the forward slash in the web address.
La barra de herramientas está oculta.
B1The toolbar is hidden.
An organized group of enthusiastic sports supporters.
barra(noun)
fan club
?An organized group of sports supporters
,cheering section
?The loud, passionate group of fans
📝 In Action
La barra del equipo local no dejó de cantar en todo el partido.
B2The local team's supporters group didn't stop singing the entire game.
La 'barra brava' fue expulsada del estadio por problemas.
C1The 'hooligans' (aggressive fan group) were expelled from the stadium for causing trouble.
💡 Grammar Points
Collective Noun
'La barra' is a singular feminine noun referring to a group of people, so the verb is usually singular: 'La barra gritaba' (The group was shouting).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: barra
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'barra' is used in the sentence: 'La barra de chocolate se derritió con el calor.'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'barra' related to 'bar' (the place)?
Yes, 'la barra' is the counter inside the establishment. While the place itself is usually called 'el bar' (a masculine noun borrowed from English/French), the counter is the original Spanish 'la barra'.
How do I know if 'barra' refers to a fan club or a counter?
Context is key. If you are talking about a soccer match or a stadium, it means the fan group (especially in Latin America). If you are talking about drinks or food, it means the counter.