Inklingo

How to Say "menu" in Spanish

English → Spanish

menú

nounA1general
Use 'menú' when referring to the list of food and drink options in a restaurant, or when referring to a list of options within a computer application or device.

Examples

¿Podemos ver el menú, por favor?

Can we see the menu, please?

carta

/KAR-tah//ˈkaɾta/

nounA2restaurant
Use 'carta' specifically when referring to the printed list of dishes offered at a restaurant.
A person's hands holding an open, folded booklet that is clearly a restaurant menu, sitting at a table with a plate of food nearby.

Examples

Camarero, ¿nos trae la carta, por favor?

Waiter, could you bring us the menu, please?

Todo en la carta parece delicioso.

Everything on the menu looks delicious.

Este restaurante tiene una carta de vinos muy impresionante.

This restaurant has a very impressive wine list.

lista

/lees-tah//'lista/

nounA1general
Use 'lista' for a general list of items, such as a shopping list; it is less common and generally not preferred for restaurant menus.
A piece of paper with a hand-drawn list of groceries, including icons for an apple and milk, representing a shopping list.

Examples

Hice una lista de la compra.

I made a shopping list.

Tu nombre no está en la lista de invitados.

Your name isn't on the guest list.

El profesor va a pasar lista ahora.

The teacher is going to take attendance now.

Always Feminine: 'la lista'

When 'lista' means a list, it's a feminine noun. That means you'll always use 'la' or 'una' with it, like 'la lista' (the list) or 'una lista' (a list).

Choosing Between 'Menú' and 'Carta'

Learners often wonder whether to use 'menú' or 'carta' for a restaurant menu. While both can be understood, 'menú' is the most common and versatile term. 'Carta' is more specific to the physical list of dishes provided by a restaurant.

Related Translations

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