Inklingo

How to Say "drink" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “drink” is “beba” — use this formal command or subjunctive form when telling someone to consume a liquid, often in a health or instructional context..

beba🔊B1

Use this formal command or subjunctive form when telling someone to consume a liquid, often in a health or instructional context.

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bebida🔊A1

This is the most general term for any type of liquid that people consume, from water to juice to soda.

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tomen🔊A1

Use this command form to tell multiple people (ustedes) to consume something, often medicine or a specific liquid.

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copa🔊A2

This refers specifically to an alcoholic drink, often a cocktail or a glass of wine or liquor.

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trago🔊B1

This term refers to an alcoholic drink, similar to 'copa', often implying a shot or a mixed drink.

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líquidoA2

Use this word when emphasizing the importance of consuming fluids for hydration, especially after physical activity.

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English → Spanish

beba

/beh-bah//ˈbeβa/

verbB1formal
Use this formal command or subjunctive form when telling someone to consume a liquid, often in a health or instructional context.
A person holding a glass of water and taking a sip.

Examples

Es importante que usted beba mucha agua.

It is important that you drink a lot of water.

Beba un poco de este té para sentirse mejor.

Drink a bit of this tea to feel better.

Mi madre no quiere que yo beba refrescos.

My mother doesn't want me to drink sodas.

The 'Vowel Swap' Rule

For verbs ending in -er like 'beber', the usual 'e' changes to an 'a' when you are giving a polite order or talking about wishes/doubts. That's why 'bebe' (he drinks) becomes 'beba'.

Using 'bebe' for orders

Mistake: “Using 'bebe' when talking politely to a boss or stranger.”

Correction: Use 'beba' for formal 'usted' commands. 'Bebe' is only for friends and family.

bebida

beh-BEE-dah/beˈβiða/

nounA1general
This is the most general term for any type of liquid that people consume, from water to juice to soda.
A tall, clear glass filled with bright orange juice, featuring a colorful drinking straw.

Examples

¿Qué bebida quieres, agua o jugo?

What drink do you want, water or juice?

Las bebidas azucaradas no son saludables.

Sugary beverages are not healthy.

En la fiesta, sirvieron bebidas frías y aperitivos.

At the party, they served cold drinks and appetizers.

Feminine Noun Rule

Since 'bebida' ends in '-a' and refers to a thing, it is almost always feminine. Remember to use feminine articles like 'la' or 'una' with it.

Incorrect Gender

Mistake: “El bebida”

Correction: La bebida. Always treat this word as feminine.

tomen

TOH-men/ˈtomen/

verbA1general
Use this command form to tell multiple people (ustedes) to consume something, often medicine or a specific liquid.
A joyful illustration of a person drinking juice from a clear glass with a straw.

Examples

¡Tomen esta medicina tres veces al día!

Take this medicine three times a day!

¿Quieren que tomen un poco de vino con la cena?

Do you want them to drink some wine with dinner?

Les sugiero que tomen un café antes de empezar.

I suggest that you (plural formal) have a coffee before starting.

Tomar vs. Beber

While 'beber' means 'to drink,' 'tomar' is often used interchangeably, especially for having a drink (coffee, soda) or for taking medicine.

copa

KOH-pah/ˈko.pa/

nounA2informal
This refers specifically to an alcoholic drink, often a cocktail or a glass of wine or liquor.
A vibrant red cocktail with a lime wedge garnish sitting in a short glass, implying an alcoholic beverage.

Examples

¿Nos quedamos a tomar una copa en el bar de la esquina?

Shall we stay and have a drink at the bar on the corner?

Solo tomé una copa de vino, no bebí más.

I only had one glass (serving) of wine; I didn't drink more.

trago

/TRAH-goh//ˈtɾa.ɣo/

nounB1informal
This term refers to an alcoholic drink, similar to 'copa', often implying a shot or a mixed drink.
A colorful, garnished cocktail served in a tall glass with ice on a simple background.

Examples

Pedimos dos tragos de ron y una cerveza.

We ordered two rum drinks and a beer.

Después de un largo día, solo quiero un trago fuerte.

After a long day, I just want a strong drink.

¿Quién paga los tragos de esta noche?

Who is paying for the drinks tonight?

Plural Use

When talking about having multiple alcoholic beverages, you almost always use the plural: 'unos tragos'.

Confusion with Drink

Mistake: “Using 'trago' when you mean a non-alcoholic beverage like juice or soda.”

Correction: Use 'bebida' or 'refresco' for non-alcoholic drinks. 'Trago' implies alcohol in social settings.

líquido

nounA2general
Use this word when emphasizing the importance of consuming fluids for hydration, especially after physical activity.

Examples

Bebe muchos líquidos después de hacer ejercicio.

Drink lots of liquids after exercising.

General Drink vs. Alcoholic Drink

Learners often confuse 'bebida' (any drink) with 'copa' or 'trago' (alcoholic drinks). Remember that 'bebida' is the catch-all term, while 'copa' and 'trago' specifically refer to alcoholic beverages.

Related Translations

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