Inklingo

How to Say "drinks" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “drinks” is “bebe” — use 'bebe' when referring to the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'beber,' meaning 'he/she/it drinks' or 'you (formal) drink.'.

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bebe

BEH-beh/'be.βe/

verbA1general
Use 'bebe' when referring to the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'beber,' meaning 'he/she/it drinks' or 'you (formal) drink.'
A simple cartoon illustration of a child holding a clear glass and drinking water.

Examples

Mi perro bebe mucha agua después de correr.

My dog drinks a lot of water after running.

Usted bebe un café muy fuerte, ¿verdad?

You (formal) drink a very strong coffee, right?

¡Bebe el zumo antes de que se caliente!

Drink the juice before it gets warm!

Dual Role

The form 'bebe' is used for the third-person singular (he/she/it) and the formal second-person (usted) in the present tense, as well as the informal command (tú).

Confusing commands

Mistake: “Using 'bebes' for the 'tú' command.”

Correction: The correct informal command is 'bebe' (without the 's'). '¡Bebe más leche!'

bebidas

/beh-BEE-dahs//beˈβi.ðas/

nounA1general
Use 'bebidas' as the general, plural noun for any type of liquid intended for consumption, like beverages on a menu.
A storybook illustration showing three clear glasses containing different colorful liquids: orange juice, white milk, and clear water, sitting on a simple surface.

Examples

¿Qué bebidas tienen para los niños?

What drinks do you have for the children?

Las bebidas azucaradas no son muy saludables.

Sugary beverages are not very healthy.

El costo incluye todas las comidas y bebidas.

The cost includes all meals and drinks.

Feminine Plural

Since 'bebidas' ends in '-as', it is always feminine and plural. You must use feminine plural words (like 'las' or 'muchas') before it.

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “El bebidas están listas.”

Correction: Las bebidas están listas.

copas

KOH-pahs/ˈko.pas/

nounA2informal
Use 'copas' when referring to a social activity, often in the evening, where people go out to have alcoholic drinks.
Two stemmed glasses filled with red liquid resting on a small table, symbolizing social drinks.

Examples

¿Vamos a tomar unas copas después del trabajo?

Shall we go for some drinks after work?

Siempre salimos de copas los viernes.

We always go out for drinks on Fridays.

Always Plural for Socializing

When talking about the social activity, 'copas' is almost always used in the plural, even if you only plan to have one drink.

Confusing 'copa' and 'vaso'

Mistake: “Using 'vasos' (tumblers/regular cups) when referring to elegant stemware or wine.”

Correction: Use 'copas' specifically for wine glasses, champagne flutes, or cocktail glasses with stems.

tragos

/TRAH-gos//ˈtɾa.ɣos/

nounA2informal
Use 'tragos' specifically for alcoholic beverages or cocktails, often implying a more focused consumption of alcohol in a social setting.
Three colorful cocktail drinks (a red drink, a yellow drink, and a blue drink) in distinct glasses, garnished simply, sitting on a smooth table.

Examples

Vamos a tomar unos tragos después del trabajo para celebrar.

Let's go have some drinks after work to celebrate.

¿Quién invita los tragos esta noche?

Who's buying the drinks tonight?

Solo tomamos dos tragos, nada más.

We only had two drinks, nothing more.

Masculine Plural

Since the singular form is 'el trago,' the plural 'tragos' is also masculine. Remember to use masculine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'los tragos fríos').

Confusing 'Trago' and 'Bebida'

Mistake: “Using 'trago' for any liquid, like water or juice.”

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

Drinks vs. Beverages vs. Social Outing

Learners often confuse 'bebidas' (general beverages) with 'copas' or 'tragos' (social drinking, often alcoholic). Remember that 'bebidas' is a neutral term for any drink, while 'copas' and 'tragos' specifically refer to going out for alcoholic drinks.

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