Inklingo
← Dictionary

mantequilla

man-teh-KEE-yah/man.teˈki.ʝa/

“mantequilla” means “butter” in Spanish (dairy product).

butter

NounfA1
MexicoCuba/Puerto Rico
A bright yellow, rectangular block of butter resting on a simple wooden cutting board.

📝 In Action

Quiero pan tostado con mantequilla para el desayuno.

A1

I want toast with butter for breakfast.

¿Puedes pasarme la mantequilla, por favor?

A1

Can you pass me the butter, please?

La receta pide una cucharada de mantequilla derretida.

A2

The recipe asks for one tablespoon of melted butter.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • untar mantequilla – to spread butter
  • mantequilla de cacahuete – peanut butter
  • barra de mantequilla – stick or bar of butter

Idioms & Expressions

  • Ser de mantequilla – To be very sensitive or easily hurt (like butter melting easily).
  • Caer como mantequilla – To go down very smoothly or easily (often referring to food or a quick process).

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "mantequilla" in Spanish:

butter→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: mantequilla

Question 1 of 1

Which item is NOT usually made with 'mantequilla'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
manteca(lard, animal fat) — Noun
mantequería(dairy section or butter shop) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word 'mantequilla' is a diminutive (a smaller version) of 'manteca,' which means 'lard' or 'fat.' 'Manteca' comes from the Latin word *mantica*, which originally meant a leather bag or sack. The name likely refers to how fat or butter was historically stored or transported in sacks.

First recorded: Medieval Spanish (evolved from manteca)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: manteigaCatalan: mantega

💡 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

How is 'mantequilla' different from 'manteca'?

'Mantequilla' is specifically butter, made from cow's milk. 'Manteca' usually means lard or pork fat, though in some Latin American countries, it can be a general term for any cooking fat, including butter.