Inklingo

How to Say "gulp" in Spanish

English → Spanish

sorbo

SOR-boˈsoɾβo

nounA2informal
Use 'sorbo' for a quick, often small, sip or swallow, especially of a beverage, implying a more delicate action.
A child carefully taking a tiny sip from a colorful mug.

Examples

Dio un sorbo a su café caliente.

He took a sip of his hot coffee.

Bebió el agua a pequeños sorbos para no ahogarse.

She drank the water in small sips so she wouldn't choke.

Solo queda un sorbo de jugo en el vaso.

There is only one sip of juice left in the glass.

Using 'a' with sorbo

When you say you took a sip of something, use the preposition 'a': 'un sorbo a la sopa' or 'un sorbo de café'. Both work, but 'a' is very common for the action.

Adverbial phrases

To describe how someone is drinking, use 'a sorbos'. This works like the English 'sip by sip'.

Sorbo vs. Sopa

Mistake: “Quiero una sopa de agua.”

Correction: Quiero un sorbo de agua.

trago

TRAH-gohˈtɾa.ɣo

nounA2informal
Choose 'trago' when referring to a more substantial, quick, and perhaps larger swallow, often taken to quench thirst or as a necessity.
A simple storybook illustration showing a person's profile taking a large gulp of liquid from a clear glass, emphasizing the movement of swallowing.

Examples

Necesitas tomar un trago de agua antes de hablar en público.

You need to take a swallow of water before speaking in public.

Dale un trago a la pastilla para que no se te atore.

Take a gulp of water with the pill so it doesn't get stuck.

Sorbo vs. Trago

Learners often confuse 'sorbo' and 'trago' because both mean 'swallow' or 'sip'. The key difference is the amount and force: 'sorbo' is usually a smaller, more delicate sip, while 'trago' implies a larger, quicker gulp, often when you're thirsty.

Related Translations

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