Inklingo

How to Say "jar" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bote

BOH-tay/ˈbo.te/

nounA1general
Use 'bote' when referring to a general food storage container, especially for preserves or items like honey that are often sold in jars.
A transparent glass jar tightly sealed and filled with bright red strawberry jam, sitting on a wooden surface.

Examples

Necesito un bote de miel para hacer el postre.

I need a jar of honey to make the dessert.

Tira ese bote de plástico a la basura.

Throw that plastic container in the trash.

Masculine Noun

Remember that 'bote' is always masculine, so use 'el bote' or 'un bote'.

frasco

/FRAS-ko//ˈfɾasko/

nounA2general
Use 'frasco' when the jar is specifically made of glass and is intended for storing food items like jam or smaller quantities of ingredients.
A clear glass jar filled with colorful fruit preserves on a wooden table.

Examples

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.

Bote vs. Frasco

The most common confusion is between 'bote' and 'frasco'. While 'bote' can be any type of jar, especially for food, 'frasco' specifically points to a glass container. If you're unsure and it's a glass jar for food, 'frasco' is often a safer bet, but 'bote' is more general.

Related Translations

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