caramelos
“caramelos” means “candies” in Spanish (general term for sweets).
candies, sweets
Also: toffee, lozenges
📝 In Action
Compré una bolsa de caramelos para la fiesta.
A1I bought a bag of candies for the party.
¿Tienes caramelos de limón? Son mis favoritos.
A1Do you have lemon sweets? They are my favorite.
El dentista dice que no debo comer tantos caramelos.
A2The dentist says I shouldn't eat so many candies.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: caramelos
Question 1 of 2
Which Spanish word is a synonym for *caramelos* but is a more general term that can also mean 'desserts'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word likely comes from the medieval Spanish or Portuguese term *caramelo* or *caramelo*, referring to burnt sugar or a sweet made from sugar cane. It is related to the idea of 'sugar cane honey.'
First recorded: 16th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is *caramelos* the most common word for 'candy' everywhere?
It is widely understood across all Spanish-speaking regions. However, in some places (like Mexico), *dulces* is often the default word for general packaged candy and treats.
Does *caramelos* ever mean 'caramel' (the flavor)?
Yes, *caramelo* (singular) is also the word for the flavor 'caramel' or 'toffee' (e.g., *sabor a caramelo*). When used in the plural (*caramelos*), it nearly always means the hard candies themselves.