Inklingo

How to Say "butter" in Spanish

English → Spanish

mantequilla

man-teh-KEE-yahman.teˈki.ʝa

nounA1general
Use 'mantequilla' when referring specifically to the dairy product made from churned cream, commonly used as a spread on toast or in baking.
A bright yellow, rectangular block of butter resting on a simple wooden cutting board.

Examples

Me gusta poner mantequilla en mi pan tostado por la mañana.

I like to put butter on my toast in the morning.

Quiero pan tostado con mantequilla para el desayuno.

I want toast with butter for breakfast.

¿Puedes pasarme la mantequilla, por favor?

Can you pass me the butter, please?

La receta pide una cucharada de mantequilla derretida.

The recipe asks for one tablespoon of melted butter.

Gender Rule

Remember that 'mantequilla' is a feminine word, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it (e.g., 'la mantequilla').

Confusing the Product and the Container

Mistake: “Some learners confuse 'mantequilla' (the product) with 'mantequillera' (the butter dish).”

Correction: Keep them separate: 'la mantequilla' is what you eat; 'la mantequillera' is the container where you store it.

manteca

man-TEH-kahmanˈteka

nounA1general
Use 'manteca' for the dairy spread, but be aware it can also refer to lard or other types of fat, especially in certain regions or contexts.
A solid block of yellow butter resting on a small white plate.

Examples

La receta pide dos cucharadas de manteca vegetal.

The recipe calls for two tablespoons of vegetable shortening.

Quiero una tostada con manteca y mermelada.

I want a piece of toast with butter and jam.

¿Podés comprar un pan de manteca en el súper?

Can you buy a stick of butter at the supermarket?

Regional Vocabulary

Spanish has many words that change based on the country. Choosing between 'manteca' and 'mantequilla' for your toast depends entirely on where you are standing.

Butter in Argentina

Mistake: “Asking for 'mantequilla' in a cafe in Buenos Aires.”

Correction: While they will understand you, it sounds very foreign. Locals always say 'manteca'.

Mantequilla vs. Manteca

The most common mistake is using 'manteca' when you strictly mean the dairy spread, as 'manteca' can also refer to lard or shortening. To be safe, use 'mantequilla' when you are certain you mean the dairy product from cream.

Related Translations

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