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caña

kah-nyahˈkaɲa

glass of beer

Also: draught beer
NounfA1informal
Spain
A small glass of cold, golden draught beer with a layer of white foam on top, sitting on a wooden bar counter.

📝 In Action

¿Quieres tomar una caña después del trabajo?

A1

Do you want to grab a beer after work?

El camarero nos sirvió dos cañas bien frías.

A2

The waiter served us two very cold beers.

En este bar, la caña siempre viene con una tapa gratis.

B1

In this bar, the glass of beer always comes with a free snack.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • tirar una caña – to pour a draught beer
  • ir de cañas – to go out for some beers

fishing rod

Also: cane or reed, stem
NounfA2
A long, slender fishing rod with a reel and line, leaning against a calm lake shore.

📝 In Action

Compré una caña de pescar nueva para el viaje.

A2

I bought a new fishing rod for the trip.

Las cañas de azúcar crecen en climas tropicales.

B1

Sugar canes grow in tropical climates.

Caminaba por el río apoyado en una caña.

B2

He walked by the river leaning on a cane.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • bastón (walking stick)
  • tallo (stem)

Common Collocations

  • caña de pescar – fishing rod
  • caña de azúcar – sugar cane

energy/effort

Also: cool, toughness
NounfB2slang
Spain
A determined runner crossing a finish line with great intensity and effort.

📝 In Action

¡Esa película es la caña!

B1

That movie is awesome!

El entrenador nos dio mucha caña hoy.

B2

The coach pushed us really hard today.

Dale caña al coche o no llegaremos a tiempo.

C1

Step on it (give the car some gas) or we won't arrive on time.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • leña (stick/firewood (used similarly in slang))
  • increíble (incredible)

Common Collocations

  • dar caña – to push hard / to give someone a hard time
  • ser la caña – to be the best / to be awesome

Idioms & Expressions

  • meter caña – to hurry someone up or increase intensity

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "caña" in Spanish:

draught beer→fishing rod→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: caña

Question 1 of 3

If you are in a bar in Madrid and you want a small glass of beer, what do you ask for?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
cañaveral(sugar cane plantation) — Noun
cañería(piping / plumbing) — Noun
cañonazo(cannon shot) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
montañaarañamañana
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'canna', which refers to a reed or a tube-like object.

First recorded: 12th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: caneFrench: canne

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'caña' used in Latin America?

Yes, but mostly for the physical plant (sugar cane) or a type of strong alcohol. To order a beer, they usually use 'cerveza' or local terms like 'chela'.

What is the difference between 'caña' and 'copa'?

A 'caña' is specifically a glass of draught beer. A 'copa' usually refers to a wine glass or a mixed drink (like a gin and tonic).

Can 'caña' mean a hangover?

In Chile, yes! 'Tener caña' is a common way to say you have a hangover.