soda
/SOH-dah/
soda
In many Spanish-speaking countries, 'soda' refers to a carbonated soft drink.
soda(noun)
soda
?carbonated soft drink
soft drink
?general term for fizzy drinks
,pop
?regional English variation
📝 In Action
¿Quieres una soda de naranja o de uva?
A1Do you want an orange or a grape soda?
No deberías beber tanta soda porque tiene mucha azúcar.
A2You shouldn't drink so much soda because it has a lot of sugar.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Articles
Since this word ends in 'a' and is feminine, always use 'la' or 'una' with it (e.g., 'la soda').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Regional Confusion
Mistake: "Using 'soda' in Spain to mean a sweet coke."
Correction: In Spain, people usually say 'refresco'. Use 'soda' mainly when talking to people from Latin America or if you specifically want sparkling water.
⭐ Usage Tips
Flavor Names
To ask for a specific flavor, just add 'de' plus the fruit name after the word 'soda', like 'soda de limón'.
'Soda' can also mean club soda or carbonated water used as a mixer.
soda(noun)
club soda
?carbonated water used as a mixer
sparkling water
?water with bubbles
,seltzer
?plain carbonated water
📝 In Action
Tráeme un whisky con soda y mucho hielo, por favor.
A2Bring me a whisky and soda with lots of ice, please.
Prefiero tomar agua con soda que agua natural.
B1I prefer drinking sparkling water over still water.
In Costa Rica, a 'soda' is a small, informal restaurant serving traditional food.
📝 In Action
Vamos a la soda a comer un casado.
B1Let's go to the diner to eat a 'casado' (traditional dish).
⭐ Usage Tips
Costa Rican Culture
If you are in Costa Rica, a 'soda' is the best place to find authentic, homemade food at a great price.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: soda
Question 1 of 2
If you are in Costa Rica and someone asks to go to a 'soda', what are you doing?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does everyone in the Spanish-speaking world say 'soda'?
Not everyone! In Spain, they prefer 'refresco' or 'gaseosa'. In South America, 'gaseosa' is very common, while 'soda' is most popular in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Can 'soda' mean baking soda?
Not on its own. For baking soda, you must say 'bicarbonato de sodio'.