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How to Say "bottle" in Spanish

English → Spanish

botella

boh-TEH-yah/boˈteʎa/

nounA1general
Use 'botella' for general-purpose containers designed to hold liquids, like water, wine, or soda.
A simple, clear glass bottle standing upright, partially filled with bright blue liquid, and sealed with a brown cork.

Examples

Compré una botella de agua para llevar al gimnasio.

I bought a bottle of water to take to the gym.

Necesito comprar una botella de leche para el desayuno.

I need to buy a bottle of milk for breakfast.

Esta botella de cristal está casi vacía; hay que reciclarla.

This glass bottle is almost empty; we have to recycle it.

Por favor, no dejes botellas abiertas en la nevera.

Please don't leave open bottles in the fridge.

Feminine Gender

Even though it ends in '-a' (a common feminine ending), always pair 'botella' with feminine articles like 'la' or 'una', and feminine adjectives: 'la botella roja' (the red bottle).

frasco

/FRAS-ko//ˈfɾasko/

nounA2general
Use 'frasco' for smaller containers, typically made of glass, used for things like jam, spices, or small amounts of liquids such as medicine or perfume.
A clear glass jar filled with colorful fruit preserves on a wooden table.

Examples

Guarda las especias en un frasco de vidrio.

Store the spices in a glass jar.

Necesito un frasco de vidrio para la mermelada.

I need a glass jar for the jam.

Ella guarda su perfume en un frasco muy bonito.

She keeps her perfume in a very pretty bottle.

El científico llenó el frasco con el líquido azul.

The scientist filled the flask with the blue liquid.

Masculine Noun

This word is masculine, so you should always use 'el' or 'un' with it (el frasco, un frasco).

Frasco vs. Botella

Mistake: “Using 'botella' for a jar of jam.”

Correction: Use 'frasco' or 'tarro'. A 'botella' is specifically a bottle with a narrow neck, usually for drinks like water or wine.

Botella vs. Frasco

The most common mistake is using 'botella' for smaller glass containers. Remember that 'botella' refers to the typical beverage bottle, while 'frasco' is for smaller jars, often with screw-top lids, used for food items or smaller quantities.

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