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How to Say "appetizer" in Spanish

English → Spanish

aperitivo

ah-peh-ree-TEE-bohapeɾiˈtiβo

nounA2general
Use this word for a drink or a light snack served before a meal, often in a more formal or social setting.
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.

entrada

en-TRAH-dahenˈtɾaða

nounB1general
This term refers to a dish served as the first course of a meal, typically before the main dish.
A small white plate centered on a wooden table, holding three colorful pieces of bruschetta topped with tomatoes and basil.

Examples

Para la entrada, pediremos unas tapas de queso.

For the appetizer, we will order some cheese tapas.

El menú incluye una entrada y un plato fuerte.

The menu includes a starter and a main course.

entrante

en-trahn-tehenˈtɾante

nounA1general
Use this for any food item that comes before the main course, similar to 'entrada' but generally considered simpler or more common.
A small bowl of fresh salad with tomatoes and cucumbers served as a first course.

Examples

¿Qué vamos a pedir de entrante?

What are we going to order for a starter?

Los entrantes de este restaurante son muy variados.

The appetizers at this restaurant are very varied.

Prefiero pedir dos entrantes en lugar de un plato principal.

I prefer to order two starters instead of a main course.

Using 'De' with Starters

When you want to say you are having something 'for' a starter, use the word 'de'. For example: 'De entrante, quiero la ensalada' (For a starter, I want the salad).

Starter vs. Entry

Mistake: “Using 'entrada' for food in Spain.”

Correction: While 'entrada' is used in Latin America, 'entrante' is the standard term in Spain for the first course of a meal.

tapa

TAH-pahˈtapa

nounA1informal
This refers to a small, savory snack, often served with drinks, particularly in Spain, and is a type of appetizer.
A small white ceramic plate holding slices of red Spanish chorizo sausage and green olives.

Examples

Vamos a tomar una cerveza y unas tapas.

Let's grab a beer and some tapas.

¿Qué tapas tienen hoy? ¿Hay patatas bravas?

What tapas do you have today? Are there spicy potatoes?

En Andalucía, a veces te dan la tapa gratis con la bebida.

In Andalusia, sometimes they give you the tapa for free with the drink.

Using 'Tapa' for a Full Meal

Mistake: “Pedimos tres tapas para cenar (We ordered three tapas for dinner).”

Correction: Tapas are snacks, not usually a full meal. You should say 'Pedimos tres raciones' or 'Pedimos tres platos' if you mean a full dinner.

Entrada vs. Entrante

Learners often confuse 'entrada' and 'entrante' as they both mean 'starter' or 'appetizer'. While similar, 'entrada' can sometimes imply a more substantial first course, whereas 'entrante' is a more general term for anything served before the main meal.

Related Translations

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