Inklingo

tarta

tar-taˈtaɾta

tarta means cake in Spanish (A large, layered, or celebratory cake (especially common in Spain)).

cake, tart

Also: pie
NounfA1
SpainMexico, Colombia, Venezuela
A brightly colored, three-layered celebratory cake decorated with white frosting, colorful sprinkles, and three lit candles, sitting on a simple serving platter.

📝 In Action

Pedimos una tarta de fresas para el postre.

A1

We ordered a strawberry cake/tart for dessert.

¿Quieres un trozo de tarta o prefieres helado?

A1

Do you want a slice of cake or do you prefer ice cream?

Mi madre prepara una tarta de queso que es famosa en el barrio.

A2

My mother makes a cheesecake that is famous in the neighborhood.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • tarta de cumpleañosbirthday cake
  • tarta de manzanaapple pie/tart
  • cortar la tartato cut the cake

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "tarta" in Spanish:

cakepietart

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: tarta

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'tarta' to ask for a piece of dessert?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
tartaleta(small tartlet)Noun
tartar(to make a tart/pie)Verb
🎵 Rhymes
cartamarta
📚 Etymology

The word comes from the Old French word 'tarte,' which referred to a pastry or flat cake. It entered Spanish centuries ago and is related to the English word 'tart.'

First recorded: Medieval period (likely 13th-14th century in Romance languages)

Cognates (Related words)

French: tarteItalian: torta

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'tarta,' 'pastel,' and 'bizcocho'?

These words overlap depending on the country! 'Tarta' is usually a finished, decorated dessert (like a birthday cake or fruit tart). 'Pastel' is often interchangeable with 'tarta,' especially for celebratory cakes in Latin America. 'Bizcocho' usually means the plain sponge base or batter used to make a cake, before frosting or filling is added.