Inklingo
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trago

/TRAH-goh/

swallow

A simple storybook illustration showing a person's profile taking a large gulp of liquid from a clear glass, emphasizing the movement of swallowing.

Visualizing trago as the action of swallowing or gulping liquid.

trago(noun)

mA2

swallow

?

the action of gulping liquid

Also:

gulp

?

a quick, large swallow

,

sip

?

a small swallow

📝 In Action

Necesitas tomar un trago de agua antes de hablar en público.

A2

You need to take a swallow of water before speaking in public.

Dale un trago a la pastilla para que no se te atore.

B1

Take a gulp of water with the pill so it doesn't get stuck.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • sorbo (sip)
  • bocado (mouthful (food))

Common Collocations

  • dar un trago – to take a swallow/drink
  • un trago amargo – a bitter pill (figurative)

⭐ Usage Tips

Use with Medicine

When a doctor tells you to take medicine, 'trago' is used neutrally to mean 'swallow' or 'dose'.

A colorful, garnished cocktail served in a tall glass with ice on a simple background.

Visualizing trago as an alcoholic beverage or cocktail.

trago(noun)

mB1

drink

?

alcoholic beverage; cocktail

Also:

mixed drink

?

cocktail

,

shot

?

small measure of liquor

📝 In Action

Pedimos dos tragos de ron y una cerveza.

A2

We ordered two rum drinks and a beer.

Después de un largo día, solo quiero un trago fuerte.

B1

After a long day, I just want a strong drink.

¿Quién paga los tragos de esta noche?

A2

Who is paying for the drinks tonight?

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • copa (drink in a wine glass/cocktail)
  • combinado (mixed drink)

Common Collocations

  • echarse un trago – to have a drink (alcoholic)
  • hora de tragos – happy hour/drink time

Idioms & Expressions

  • Quitarse el trago amargo – To overcome a difficult situation or disappointment.

💡 Grammar Points

Plural Use

When talking about having multiple alcoholic beverages, you almost always use the plural: 'unos tragos'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusion with Drink

Mistake: "Using 'trago' when you mean a non-alcoholic beverage like juice or soda."

Correction: Use 'bebida' or 'refresco' for non-alcoholic drinks. 'Trago' implies alcohol in social settings.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: trago

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'trago' to mean 'an alcoholic drink'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

tragar(to swallow) - verb
tragón(glutton) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'trago' the same as 'bebida'?

Not exactly. 'Bebida' is a general term for any drink (water, soda, juice). 'Trago' almost always refers specifically to an alcoholic drink, especially in Latin America and social settings. If you just want water, ask for 'agua', not 'un trago'.

How do I know if 'trago' means the action or the drink?

Context is key! If you see 'tomar un trago de...' followed by water or medicine, it means 'take a swallow of...'. If you see 'tomar/pedir unos tragos' at a bar, it means 'have some drinks (alcohol)'.