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bocado

bo-KAH-do/boˈkaðo/

“bocado” means “mouthful” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

mouthful, bite

Also: snack, morsel
NounmA2
Spain
A close-up illustration of a spoon holding a small amount of chocolate cake ready to be eaten.

📝 In Action

Dale un bocado a la manzana.

A1

Take a bite of the apple.

No he probado bocado en todo el día.

A2

I haven't eaten a single bite all day.

Este postre es un bocado delicioso.

B1

This dessert is a delicious morsel.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • mordisco (bite (the action of biting))
  • pedazo (piece)

Antonyms

  • atracón (binge/huge meal)

Common Collocations

  • probar bocado – to eat a bite (usually used in the negative)
  • un bocado exquisito – a delicious morsel
  • de un bocado – in one bite

Idioms & Expressions

  • bocado de cardenal – a food that is fit for royalty or incredibly delicious
  • quitarle el bocado de la boca – to take something away from someone at the last second

bit

NounmB2
A detailed illustration of a silver metal bit used for a horse's bridle, shown on a plain background.

📝 In Action

El jinete le puso el bocado al caballo.

B2

The rider put the bit on the horse.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • poner el bocado – to put the bit in

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "bocado" in Spanish:

morsel→mouthful→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: bocado

Question 1 of 3

If you are at a fancy restaurant and the food is incredible, which idiom would you use?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'bucca' which means cheek (later used for mouth). It literally describes 'what fits in the cheek.'

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: bocadoItalian: boccata

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'bocado' the same as a 'bocadillo'?

Not quite! While 'bocadillo' comes from the word 'bocado,' a 'bocadillo' is specifically a sandwich made with crusty bread (like a baguette). A 'bocado' is just a single bite or mouthful of any food.

Can I use 'bocado' for a mosquito bite?

No. For a bug bite or a sting, you should use the word 'picadura.' For a dog or human bite, use 'mordisco.' Keep 'bocado' for food!

Is 'bocado' formal or informal?

It's neutral. You can use it with your friends at a BBQ or while reading a gourmet food review in a magazine.