Using 'Por' instead of 'De' or 'Para'
Mistake: “Saying 'Quiero esto por postre'.”
Correction: Quiero esto de postre.
How to say
For dessert
in Spanishde postre
deh POHS-treh
The most standard and natural way to say 'for dessert' when asking what is available or stating what you want to eat. It literally translates to 'of dessert'.
When the waiter arrives with options, you'll be ready to decide what you want 'de postre'.
🎬Watch & Learn
For dessert — in Spanish
💬Other Ways to Say It
para el postre
★★★★☆
PAH-rah el POHS-treh
neutral🌍
Used when you are designating something for the dessert course, or bringing something to a meal. It emphasizes the purpose or time.
When to use: Use this when bringing a cake to a party ('I brought this for dessert') or setting aside space in your stomach ('I'm saving room for dessert').
¿Qué hay de postre?
★★★★★
keh ay deh POHS-treh
casual🌍
The specific set phrase for asking 'What's for dessert?'
When to use: Use this at home with family or at a casual restaurant when asking what options are available.
como postre
★★★☆☆
KOH-moh POHS-treh
slightly formal🌍
Means 'as dessert.' Used to describe the function of a dish.
When to use: Use when describing a menu item or choice, e.g., 'We offer fruit as dessert.'
algo dulce
★★★★☆
AHL-goh DOOL-seh
casual🌎 🇪🇸
Literally 'something sweet.' Often used as a synonym for wanting dessert.
When to use: Use this when you don't want a heavy dessert but just a little sweet treat after a meal.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
The difference between 'de postre' and 'para el postre' is subtle but important for sounding natural.
| Phrase | Literal Meaning | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| De postre | Ordering food, stating what you are eating ('I'm having cake for dessert'). | Explaining the purpose of an object. | |
| Para el postre | Designating time or purpose ('I'm saving room for dessert' or 'This spoon is for dessert'). | Simply ordering what you want to eat. |
📈Difficulty Level
Overall Difficulty:beginnerMaster in 10 minutes
Pronunciation2/5
The word 'postre' is straightforward, but remember to tap the 'r' lightly—don't roll it heavily like a double 'rr'.
Grammar2/5
The main challenge is remembering to use 'de' instead of translating 'for' directly.
Cultural Nuance3/5
Knowing when dessert happens (late!) and the etiquette of 'sobremesa' adds cultural depth.
Key Challenges:
- Using the correct preposition (de vs para)
- Vocabulary for specific desserts (flan, helado, pastel)
💡Examples in Action
Asking a waiter at a restaurantA1
¿Qué tienen de postre hoy?
What do you have for dessert today?
Conversation after a main courseA2
Dejé un espacio para el postre.
I saved some room for dessert.
Ordering foodA1
De postre, quiero el flan, por favor.
For dessert, I'll have the flan, please.
Arriving at a dinner partyA2
Traje este pastel para el postre.
I brought this cake for dessert.
🌍Cultural Context
The Sacred 'Sobremesa'
In Spain and many Latin American countries, dessert is often the gateway to 'la sobremesa'—the time spent chatting at the table after the meal is finished. This period can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. Rushing off immediately after dessert is sometimes seen as rude.
Fruit vs. Sweets
In many Spanish households, everyday 'postre' is often just a piece of fresh fruit or yogurt. Elaborate cakes and pastries are typically reserved for weekends, celebrations, or restaurant meals.
Coffee and Dessert
It is very common to order coffee (un café) alongside or immediately after dessert. In places like Spain, you might order a 'café solo' (espresso) to cut the sweetness of the dessert.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Desert' and 'Dessert'
Mistake: “Pronouncing or writing it like 'desierto'.”
Correction: Postre
💡Pro Tips
The Preposition Trick
Think of 'de postre' as 'of dessert' (as in, 'consisting of dessert'). If you are ordering or eating, use 'de'. If you are bringing something to a party, use 'para' (for the purpose of).
Asking for the Menu
If you want to see the dessert options, you can ask: '¿Me trae la carta de postres?' (Can you bring me the dessert menu?).
🗺️Regional Variations
🇪🇸
Spain
Preferred:De postre
Pronunciation:Standard Castilian
Alternatives:
Algo de dulce
In Spain, lunch is the main meal, so dessert at 3 PM is very common. Fruit is a standard 'postre' option on daily menus (menú del día).
⚠️ Note: Don't expect dinner dessert before 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM.
🇲🇽
Mexico
Preferred:De postre
Pronunciation:Standard Latin American
Alternatives:
El dulce
Very sweet desserts are popular. You might hear diminutives like 'un postrecito' (a little dessert) to sound polite or imply a small portion.
🇦🇷
Argentina
Preferred:De postre
Pronunciation:Soft 's' in postre
Alternatives:
Algo dulce
Dulce de leche is king here. If you ask for dessert, expect options heavily featuring it. Coffee usually follows dessert rather than accompanying it.
💬What Comes Next?
The waiter asks if you want dessert
They say:
¿Desean algo de postre?
Do you (plural) want anything for dessert?
→
You respond:
No gracias, solo la cuenta.
No thanks, just the check.
You want to share a dessert
They say:
¿Uno para cada uno?
One for each of you?
→
You respond:
No, es para compartir.
No, it's to share.
🔄How It Differs from English
The biggest hurdle for English speakers is the preposition. English uses 'for' (I want cake FOR dessert), while Spanish prefers 'of' (Quiero pastel DE postre) to indicate composition/category. Spanish uses 'para' (for) mostly when talking about the *time* of dessert or the *purpose* of an object.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
"For dessert (using 'por')"
Why it''s different: 'Por' usually means 'because of' or 'by' or 'in exchange for'. Saying 'por postre' sounds like you are trading something for dessert.
Use instead: De postre
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to ask for the bill in Spanish
After dessert comes the bill—it's the natural next step in dining.
How to say delicious in Spanish
You'll want to compliment the food if the dessert was good.
How to order coffee in Spanish
Coffee and dessert go hand-in-hand in Hispanic culture.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
Quick Quiz: For dessert
Question 1 of 3
You are at a restaurant and want to order ice cream as your dessert. How do you say 'I want ice cream for dessert'?
Use phrases naturally, not mechanically
Knowing a phrase is one thing — using it at the right moment is another. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories to see phrases in the contexts where they actually belong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just say 'postre'?
Yes! If a waiter asks what you want, you can simply say 'El flan, por favor' (The flan, please). You don't always need the full 'de postre' phrase if the context is clear.
Is 'dulce' the same as 'postre'?
Not exactly. 'Postre' refers to the course (dessert), while 'dulce' generally means sweet or candy. However, in some regions, people might ask if you want 'algo dulce' (something sweet) at the end of a meal.
Why shouldn't I use 'por'?
In Spanish, 'por' often implies an exchange or cause. Saying 'por postre' sounds strange to native ears, almost like you are doing something on behalf of the dessert. 'De' or 'para' are the correct prepositions here.
What are some common Spanish desserts I should know?
Classics include 'flan' (custard), 'arroz con leche' (rice pudding), 'tres leches' (milk cake), and 'churros' (often eaten with chocolate, though sometimes for breakfast rather than dessert!).
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