Inklingo
A small glass of clear liquid next to a slice of lime and a whole agave plant on a simple wooden surface.

tequila

te-KEE-lah

nounmA1
tequila?the Mexican alcoholic spirit
Also:a shot of tequila?when ordering at a bar

📝 In Action

El tequila es una bebida famosa de México.

A1

Tequila is a famous drink from Mexico.

¿Prefieres el tequila blanco o el reposado?

B1

Do you prefer silver tequila or rested (aged) tequila?

Dame un tequila, por favor.

A1

Give me a tequila, please.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • mezcal (mezcal (a similar agave spirit))
  • aguardiente (spirit/liquor)

Common Collocations

  • tequila reposadoaged tequila
  • chupito de tequilashot of tequila
  • tequila con limóntequila with lime

💡 Grammar Points

The 'El' Rule

Even though this word ends in 'a', it is masculine. You must use 'el' or 'un' with it, never 'la' or 'una'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Gender Error

Mistake: "la tequila"

Correction: el tequila (It is one of the exceptions to the rule that words ending in 'a' are feminine).

⭐ Usage Tips

Ordering like a local

In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you just say 'un tequila', people will assume you want a straight shot.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: tequila

Question 1 of 1

Which of these is the correct way to say 'the tequila'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it 'el tequila' and not 'la tequila'?

In Spanish, most words ending in 'a' are feminine, but there are exceptions. Tequila is one of them, likely because it is named after a place or falls into the category of many alcoholic spirits which are masculine.

Does tequila have a plural form?

Yes, 'los tequilas', used when referring to different types or brands of the drink.