Inklingo

How to Say "flask" in Spanish

English → Spanish

botella

boh-TEH-yah/boˈteʎa/

nounA1general
Use 'botella' for a personal, portable container, often for liquids like water, wine, or medicine, similar to a bottle.
A simple, clear glass bottle standing upright, partially filled with bright blue liquid, and sealed with a brown cork.

Examples

Llevo una botella de agua en mi mochila.

I carry a bottle of water in my backpack.

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 a jar, typically made of glass, used for storing substances in a laboratory, kitchen, or for smaller quantities like spices or samples.
A clear glass jar filled with colorful fruit preserves on a wooden table.

Examples

Guarda las hierbas secas en un frasco hermético.

Store the dried herbs in an airtight 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.

Bottle vs. Jar

The most common mistake is using 'botella' for small glass containers meant for storage, like jam jars, when 'frasco' is the correct term. Remember, 'botella' implies a portable bottle, while 'frasco' is more akin to a jar or vial.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.