Inklingo

How to Say "mixture" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “mixture” is “mezcla” — use 'mezcla' for a general term covering both physical combinations like ingredients or substances, and abstract combinations like ideas or sounds.

mezcla🔊A2

Use 'mezcla' for a general term covering both physical combinations like ingredients or substances, and abstract combinations like ideas or sounds.

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masa🔊A1

Use 'masa' specifically when referring to dough, like for bread or pastries, which is a combination of uncooked ingredients.

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preparado🔊B1

Use 'preparado' when referring to a specific mix or compound made for a particular purpose, often a pre-packaged ingredient for cooking or a chemical solution.

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compuesto🔊B2

Use 'compuesto' primarily in a scientific or technical context to refer to a substance formed from two or more elements, like a chemical compound.

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disoluciónB1

Use 'disolución' in a chemistry context to specifically mean a solution, where one substance has dissolved into another.

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English → Spanish

mezcla

MEH-sklahˈmes.kla

nounA2general
Use 'mezcla' for a general term covering both physical combinations like ingredients or substances, and abstract combinations like ideas or sounds.
A close-up view of a clear glass bowl where blue, yellow, and red liquids are being mixed together, creating a colorful, swirling mixture.

Examples

La mezcla de especias para el pastel huele delicioso.

The mixture of spices for the cake smells delicious.

Londres es una mezcla increíble de culturas y lenguas.

London is an incredible blend of cultures and languages.

Asegúrate de que la mezcla de cemento sea homogénea.

Make sure the cement mix is smooth (homogeneous).

Gender is Key

Since 'mezcla' is a feminine noun, always use 'la' or 'una' before it, and make sure any adjectives describing it are feminine (e.g., 'una mezcla perfecta').

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Hacer la mezclar.”

Correction: Hacer la mezcla. ('Mezclar' is the action (verb); 'mezcla' is the resulting thing (noun).)

masa

MAH-sahˈma.sa

nounA1cooking
Use 'masa' specifically when referring to dough, like for bread or pastries, which is a combination of uncooked ingredients.
A smooth, round ball of raw bread dough sitting on a wooden surface, ready for baking.

Examples

Necesito amasar la masa del pan por diez minutos.

I need to knead the bread dough for ten minutes.

Esta masa de galletas lleva mucha mantequilla.

This cookie dough has a lot of butter in it.

La masa para los panqueques debe ser líquida.

The batter for the pancakes should be liquid.

Always Feminine

Remember that 'masa' is always feminine, so you must use 'la masa' or 'una masa', even though it refers to a substance, not a specific female person or thing.

preparado

preh-pah-RAH-dohpɾepaˈɾaðo

nounB1general
Use 'preparado' when referring to a specific mix or compound made for a particular purpose, often a pre-packaged ingredient for cooking or a chemical solution.
A clear glass jar containing a uniform brown powder mix, sealed with a lid, representing a ready-made preparation.

Examples

Necesitas un preparado especial para hacer ese pastel.

You need a special mix/preparation to make that cake.

El farmacéutico vendió un preparado de hierbas.

The pharmacist sold a herbal preparation.

Always Masculine

When used as a noun meaning 'a mixture' or 'a compound,' 'preparado' is always masculine (el preparado), even if the ingredients themselves are feminine.

compuesto

kom-PWES-tohkomˈpwesto

nounB2technical
Use 'compuesto' primarily in a scientific or technical context to refer to a substance formed from two or more elements, like a chemical compound.
A glass bottle containing a mixture of colorful liquids and bubbles.

Examples

El agua es un compuesto químico de hidrógeno y oxígeno.

Water is a chemical compound of hydrogen and oxygen.

Los científicos crearon un nuevo compuesto para la medicina.

The scientists created a new compound for the medicine.

Este fertilizante tiene varios compuestos orgánicos.

This fertilizer has several organic compounds.

Nouns and Gender

As a noun meaning 'a compound', this word is always masculine: 'el compuesto'.

disolución

nounB1chemistry
Use 'disolución' in a chemistry context to specifically mean a solution, where one substance has dissolved into another.

Examples

La disolución del azúcar en el café es muy rápida.

The dissolving of the sugar in the coffee is very fast.

General vs. Specific Contexts

Learners often confuse 'mezcla' with more specific terms like 'masa' or 'disolución'. Remember that 'mezcla' is the most general term. Use 'masa' only for dough and 'disolución' strictly for chemical solutions or the act of dissolving.

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