Inklingo

How to Say "coke" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cola

/KOH-lah//ˈko.la/

nounB2informal
Use this word when referring to the popular soft drink brand Coca-Cola, especially when ordering it in a casual setting.
A clear glass containing a dark brown, fizzy soda drink with ice.

Examples

Pide una cola bien fría para la cena.

Order a really cold soda for dinner.

¿Quieres una cola o prefieres agua?

Do you want a cola or do you prefer water?

coca

/KO-ka//ˈkoka/

nounA2informal
Use this word for the soft drink brand, similar to 'cola', but be aware it can also refer to cocaine, so context is crucial.
A sealed, clear glass bottle filled with a dark brown carbonated soft drink, showing condensation on the glass.

Examples

¿Quieres una hamburguesa y una coca bien fría?

Do you want a hamburger and a cold Coke?

Pedimos dos aguas y una coca para compartir.

We ordered two waters and one Coke to share.

La policía incautó un gran cargamento de coca en el puerto.

The police seized a large shipment of coke at the port.

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'el coca' instead of 'la coca'.”

Correction: Since 'coca' is a feminine noun, you must use 'la' or 'una'. Say 'una coca' or 'la coca'.

cocaína

nounB2informal/slang
Use this word to specifically refer to the illegal drug cocaine, avoiding ambiguity.

Examples

El decomiso de cocaína en el puerto fue noticia nacional.

The seizure of cocaine at the port was national news.

coca

/KO-ka//ˈkoka/

nounC1informal
Use this word when referring to the illegal drug cocaine, especially in contexts where the meaning is clear or implied.
A sealed, clear glass bottle filled with a dark brown carbonated soft drink, showing condensation on the glass.

Examples

La policía incautó un gran cargamento de coca en el puerto.

The police seized a large shipment of coke at the port.

¿Quieres una hamburguesa y una coca bien fría?

Do you want a hamburger and a cold Coke?

Pedimos dos aguas y una coca para compartir.

We ordered two waters and one Coke to share.

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'el coca' instead of 'la coca'.”

Correction: Since 'coca' is a feminine noun, you must use 'la' or 'una'. Say 'una coca' or 'la coca'.

Confusing 'coca' for soda vs. drug

The biggest pitfall is using 'coca' for the soft drink when it's also a common term for cocaine. To be safe and clear when talking about the drink, 'cola' is often a better choice, especially in Spain. Only use 'coca' for the drink if the context makes it absolutely unambiguous.

Related Translations

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