Inklingo

How to Say "greens" in Spanish

English → Spanish

verduras

/ber-DOO-rahs//beɾˈðuɾas/

nounA1general
Use 'verduras' when referring to vegetables and leafy produce in general, especially in everyday conversation.
A wooden crate filled with fresh vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and red bell peppers.

Examples

Me encanta cocinar con muchas verduras frescas.

I love cooking with lots of fresh vegetables.

Me gusta comer muchas verduras.

I like to eat a lot of vegetables.

Las verduras frescas están en esa mesa.

The fresh vegetables are on that table.

Tengo que comprar verduras para la sopa.

I have to buy vegetables for the soup.

Always Feminine

The word 'verduras' is always feminine. You must use 'las' or 'unas' with it (las verduras).

Mostly Plural

While 'verdura' (singular) exists, we almost always use the plural 'verduras' when talking about them as a food group.

Vegetales vs. Verduras

Mistake: “Using 'vegetales' for everything.”

Correction: While 'vegetales' is understood, 'verduras' is the more natural, common word used in Spanish kitchens and markets.

verdes

VEHR-dess/ˈbeɾðes/

nounB1general
Use 'verdes' to refer to vegetables, particularly leafy ones, when the context is clear that you mean produce and not the color green, though 'verduras' is often safer.
A small, inviting pile of fresh, dark green spinach leaves, representing leafy vegetables.

Examples

El doctor me dijo que coma más verdes.

The doctor told me to eat more greens (vegetables).

La ciudad está invirtiendo en más verdes urbanos.

The city is investing in more urban green spaces.

Noun Function

When 'verdes' is used as a noun, it almost always refers to plural items, such as the collective group of leafy vegetables or multiple green areas.

Verdes vs. Verduras

The most common mistake is using 'verdes' when 'verduras' is more appropriate. While 'verdes' can mean vegetables, it primarily means 'green' (the color). Using 'verduras' is always clear and specific for produce, avoiding confusion with the color.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.