Inklingo

How to Say "aperitif" in Spanish

The Spanish word foraperitifis aperitivoA2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.

English → SpanishA2
nounA2
specifically referring to a pre-dinner drink
A small plate of olives and a wedge of cheese on a wooden table.

Examples

Antes de la cena, tomamos un aperitivo en la terraza.

Before dinner, we had an appetizer on the terrace.

Me encanta el vermut como aperitivo.

I love vermouth as a pre-dinner drink.

El camarero sirvió unos frutos secos de aperitivo.

The waiter served some nuts as an appetizer.

Using 'de' for Purpose

When you want to say something is 'as' or 'for' an appetizer, use 'de'. For example: 'aceitunas de aperitivo' means 'olives as an appetizer'.

The Social 'El'

In Spain, 'el aperitivo' often refers to the specific social event of meeting friends for a drink before lunch, not just the food itself.

Don't confuse with 'Starter'

Mistake:Using 'aperitivo' for a large first course at a dinner table.

Correction: Use 'primer plato' or 'entrante' for a formal first course; 'aperitivo' is usually smaller and often eaten while standing or at a bar.

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