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jarabe

hah-rah-beh/xaˈɾaβe/

syrup

Also: cough medicine
NounmA1
SpainLatin America
A glass bottle containing thick, amber-colored liquid next to a silver spoon.

📝 In Action

Tengo tos, necesito comprar un jarabe.

A1

I have a cough; I need to buy some syrup.

Me gusta el jarabe de chocolate sobre el helado.

A2

I like chocolate syrup on my ice cream.

El médico me recetó un jarabe para la garganta.

B1

The doctor prescribed a syrup for my throat.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • sirope (syrup (often used for food))
  • pócima (potion/concoction)

Common Collocations

  • jarabe para la tos – cough syrup
  • jarabe de arce – maple syrup
  • jarabe de maíz – corn syrup

Idioms & Expressions

  • dar jarabe de palo – to give someone a beating or physical punishment

folk dance

NounmB2
A man and a woman in traditional Mexican clothing performing a folk dance.

📝 In Action

El Jarabe Tapatío es el baile nacional de México.

B2

The 'Jarabe Tapatío' (Mexican Hat Dance) is the national dance of Mexico.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • jarabe tapatío – The Mexican Hat Dance

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "jarabe" in Spanish:

cough medicine→folk dance→syrup→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: jarabe

Question 1 of 3

Which of these would you buy if you had a cold?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
jarabear(to take syrup or to dance the jarabe) — Verb
jaraboso(syrupy or sticky) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
árabesabe
📚 Etymology▼

From the Arabic word 'šarāb', which means 'drink' or 'beverage'. This is the same root that gave English the words 'syrup', 'sherbet', and 'sorbet'.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: syrupFrench: siropPortuguese: xarope

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'jarabe' for the syrup I put on my pancakes?

Yes! While 'sirope' is also used, 'jarabe' (specifically 'jarabe de arce' for maple syrup) is perfectly correct.

What does 'jarabe de palo' mean in a conversation?

It is a figurative (and old-fashioned) way to say physical punishment or a beating. Use it with caution as it's not a positive expression!

Is 'jarabe' the same as 'sirope'?

They are very similar. 'Jarabe' is the traditional Spanish word and is used for medicine. 'Sirope' is often used for thick, sweet liquids used in cooking or coffee.