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cortado

/kor-TAH-doh/

cortado

A close-up of a small glass holding a layered cortado coffee drink with visible espresso and milk layers.

The noun cortado refers to a type of coffee drink, specifically espresso with a splash of milk.

cortado(noun)

mA1

cortado

?

coffee drink

,

espresso with a dash of milk

?

coffee drink

Also:

macchiato

?

similar coffee preparation

📝 In Action

¿Me pones un cortado, por favor?

A1

Could you get me a cortado, please?

En España, el cortado es muy popular a media mañana.

A2

In Spain, the cortado is very popular mid-morning.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • café con leche (coffee with milk (more milk than a cortado))

Common Collocations

  • cortado de la mañana – morning cortado

💡 Grammar Points

Why is it called 'cortado'?

The name literally means 'cut' because the small amount of milk 'cuts' or balances the strength of the espresso.

⭐ Usage Tips

Ordering Coffee

Use 'un cortado' to ask for a small, strong coffee that has just a tiny bit of milk added.

A bright red apple that has been cleanly sliced in half, resting on a surface.

As an adjective, cortado means cut or severed.

cortado(adjective)

mB1

cut

?

severed or sliced

,

interrupted

?

stopped suddenly

Also:

shortened

?

made shorter

📝 In Action

El hilo está cortado, no podemos coser.

B1

The thread is cut; we cannot sew.

Se quedó sin batería y la llamada fue cortada.

B2

The battery died and the call was interrupted.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • seccionado (sectioned)
  • interrumpido (interrupted)

Antonyms

  • entero (whole)

Common Collocations

  • suministro cortado – cut supply (e.g., electricity)

💡 Grammar Points

Agreement

Like many Spanish adjectives, 'cortado' must change its ending to match the thing it describes: 'la línea cortada' (feminine) or 'los cables cortados' (plural).

A simple character standing alone, blushing deeply on their cheeks and looking down, indicating embarrassment.

Cortado can also be used as an adjective meaning embarrassed or awkward.

cortado(adjective)

mB2

embarrassed

?

feeling awkward

,

tongue-tied

?

unable to speak due to shyness

Also:

shy

?

reserved

📝 In Action

Cuando le hicieron la pregunta, se quedó completamente cortado.

B2

When they asked him the question, he was left completely tongue-tied (or speechless).

Estaba tan cortado que no pudo decir ni una palabra.

C1

He was so embarrassed that he couldn't say a single word.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • desenvuelto (confident, self-assured)

Common Collocations

  • quedarse cortado – to be left speechless/tongue-tied

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'Estar'

This adjective describes a temporary state or feeling, so it is always used with the verb 'estar' (to be in a state), not 'ser' (to be permanent).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Cortado' and 'Cortar'

Mistake: "Using 'cortar' when you mean 'to be embarrassed' (e.g., 'Yo corto')."

Correction: Use the adjective form with 'estar': 'Yo estoy cortado' (I am embarrassed).

⭐ Usage Tips

Figurative Meaning

Think of this meaning as having your ability to speak or act 'cut off' by surprise or shyness.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: cortado

Question 1 of 2

Which meaning of 'cortado' is used in the sentence: 'El actor se quedó cortado al olvidar su diálogo'?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a 'cortado' and a 'café con leche'?

A 'cortado' is primarily espresso with just a splash of milk—it's stronger and smaller. A 'café con leche' is generally half coffee and half milk and is much larger and milder.

Can I use 'cortada'?

Yes! Since 'cortado' is an adjective, it must match the gender of the thing it describes. If you are talking about a feminine thing, like 'la tela' (the fabric), you would say 'la tela está cortada'.