Inklingo

How to Say "mixture" in Spanish

English → Spanish

mezcla

MEH-sklah/ˈmes.kla/

nounA2general
Use 'mezcla' for a general term referring to a combination of physical or abstract elements, like ingredients or ideas.
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-sah/ˈma.sa/

nounA1culinary
Use 'masa' specifically when referring to uncooked ingredients that form a dough or paste, like for bread or pizza.
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-doh/pɾepaˈɾaðo/

nounB1general
Use 'preparado' when referring to a specific compound or mixture created for a particular purpose, often a pre-made mix.
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.

General vs. Specific Mixtures

The most common mistake is using 'mezcla' when a more specific term like 'masa' (for dough) or 'preparado' (for a specific mix) is required. Remember 'mezcla' is the broadest term, while the others denote particular types of mixtures.

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