A brightly colored, three-layered celebratory cake decorated with white frosting, colorful sprinkles, and three lit candles, sitting on a simple serving platter.

tarta

tar-ta

nounfA1

cake?A large, layered, or celebratory cake (especially common in Spain),tart?An open-faced pastry, often fruit-filled

Also:pie?A baked dish with a pastry crust and filling (often specific pies, like 'tarta de manzana')

📝 In Action

Pedimos una tarta de fresas para el postre.

We ordered a strawberry cake/tart for dessert.

¿Quieres un trozo de tarta o prefieres helado?

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.

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

Word Connections

Synonyms

pastel (cake/pastry)
bizcocho (sponge cake/plain cake base)

Common Collocations

tarta de cumpleaños – birthday cake
tarta de manzana – apple pie/tart
cortar la tarta – to cut the cake

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Check

Since 'tarta' ends in -a, it is a feminine noun. Always use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la tarta,' 'una tarta deliciosa').

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Tarta' and 'Pastel'

Mistake: "Using 'tarta' in Mexico or Central America when talking about a large birthday cake."

Correction: In many Latin American countries, 'pastel' or 'torta' is the usual word for a large cake, while 'tarta' usually refers specifically to a tart or pie. In Spain, 'tarta' is used for both.

⭐ Usage Tips

Use with Flavors

To specify the flavor, use 'de' followed by the ingredient: 'tarta de chocolate' (chocolate cake), 'tarta de limón' (lemon tart).

✏️ 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

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.