Inklingo
← Dictionary

caramelo

kah-rah-MEH-lohka.ɾaˈme.lo

“caramelo” means “candy” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

candy, sweet

Also: lozenge
NounmA1
Mexico, Central AmericaChile
A single piece of shiny, spherical hard candy wrapped in clear cellophane, tied at the ends.

📝 In Action

Mi abuela siempre tiene caramelos de menta en su bolso.

A1

My grandmother always has mint candies in her purse.

No comas tantos caramelos antes de la cena.

A2

Don't eat so many sweets before dinner.

Este caramelo es para la tos, no es muy dulce.

A2

This lozenge is for the cough, it's not very sweet.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • golosina (sweet treat (general))
  • dulce (sweet (noun/adjective))

Common Collocations

  • caramelo blando – soft candy/toffee
  • caramelo duro – hard candy

caramel

Also: caramel coating
NounmB1
A thick stream of golden-brown caramel sauce dripping slowly from a wooden spoon into a white bowl.

📝 In Action

El flan tiene una capa de caramelo por encima.

B1

The flan has a layer of caramel on top.

Necesitas calentar el azúcar hasta que se convierta en caramelo líquido.

B2

You need to heat the sugar until it turns into liquid caramel.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • almíbar (syrup)

Common Collocations

  • sabor a caramelo – caramel flavor
  • punto de caramelo – caramelization point (cooking term)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "caramelo" in Spanish:

candy→caramel→caramel coating→lozenge→sweet→

🗣️ Practice in a Tongue Twister

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: caramelo

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'caramelo' to refer to a dessert ingredient, rather than a single piece of candy?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
caramelizar(to caramelize) — Verb
acaramelado(caramelized; honeyed (voice)) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the Late Latin term 'canna mellis' (sugar cane) or potentially from the Arabic 'kura mu'alla' (sweet ball). It entered Spanish via Portuguese, evolving to describe the hardened, caramelized sugar we know today.

First recorded: 16th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: carameloFrench: caramel

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I say 'lollypop' in Spanish?

While 'caramelo' is sometimes used, the most common and universally understood terms are 'piruleta' (Spain) or 'paleta' (Mexico/Central America). They specify that the candy is on a stick.

Is 'caramelo' only used for hard candy?

No. While it primarily means hard candy, it can refer to soft toffee ('caramelo blando') or even gummy bears in some regions, though 'gomitas' is more specific for gummies.