Inklingo
← Dictionary

jugo

HOO-goˈxu.ɣo

“jugo” means “juice” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

juice

Also: fruit drink
NounmA1
Spain
A clear glass filled with vibrant orange juice, sitting next to two whole oranges on a simple background.

📝 In Action

¿Quieres un vaso de jugo de naranja?

A1

Do you want a glass of orange juice?

Este jugo verde es muy saludable para empezar el día.

A2

This green juice is very healthy to start the day.

Prefiero el jugo natural al embotellado.

A2

I prefer fresh juice to bottled juice.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • zumo (juice (common in Spain))
  • néctar (nectar (often thicker juice))

Common Collocations

  • jugo de manzana – apple juice
  • jugo natural – fresh juice

gravy, essence

Also: sap
NounmB2
A white plate holding a slice of roast meat covered in rich, dark brown gravy.

📝 In Action

El chef usó el jugo de la carne para hacer una salsa deliciosa.

B2

The chef used the meat's gravy/juices to make a delicious sauce.

Tienes que sacarle el jugo a la experiencia universitaria.

C1

You have to get the most out (literally: 'take the juice out') of the university experience.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • jugo de carne – meat gravy/juices
  • sacarle el jugo a algo – to get the most out of something

Idioms & Expressions

  • sacarle el jugo a algo – To exploit something fully or get the maximum benefit from it.

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "jugo" in Spanish:

essence→fruit drink→gravy→juice→played→sap→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: jugo

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'jugo' in its figurative meaning, meaning 'to get the most out of something'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
jugoso(juicy) — Adjective
jugosidad(juiciness) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *sūcus*, which meant 'sap' or 'juice'. The word has remained very close to its original meaning for centuries.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: sumoItalian: succo

💡 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

Is 'jugo' countable? Can I say 'dos jugos'?

Yes, although 'jugo' is technically a mass noun (like 'water'), Spanish speakers frequently use it as a countable noun to mean 'two servings of juice' or 'two cartons of juice'. For example, 'Quiero dos jugos, por favor' (I want two juices, please).

How is the 'J' in 'jugo' pronounced?

The 'J' in 'jugo' is pronounced like the 'H' in the English word 'house'—a strong, breathy sound coming from the back of the throat. It sounds like 'HOO-go'.