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How to Say "oil" in Spanish

English → Spanish

aceite

ah-SAY-teh/aˈsejte/

nounA1general
Use 'aceite' for cooking oils like olive oil or vegetable oil, or for general liquid substances that lubricate or are used in products.
A clear glass bottle filled with golden cooking oil, sitting next to a small ceramic bowl on a wooden counter.

Examples

Necesito un poco de aceite de oliva para la ensalada.

I need a little olive oil for the salad.

El coche necesita un cambio de aceite pronto.

The car needs an oil change soon.

Este aceite corporal huele a lavanda.

This body oil smells like lavender.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in '-e', 'aceite' is always a masculine word, so you use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'el aceite'.

Uncountable Noun

'Aceite' is usually uncountable, like water or sugar. To measure it, you need a container: 'una botella de aceite' (a bottle of oil).

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “La aceite es saludable.”

Correction: El aceite es saludable. (Remember, 'aceite' is masculine: 'el'.)

grasa

/grah-sah//ˈɡɾasa/

nounA2general
Choose 'grasa' when referring to thick, heavy, greasy substances, often found as residue or lubricants in machinery.
A simple, shiny, dark gray metal wrench covered in a thick, black, viscous glob of industrial automotive grease.

Examples

Hay que limpiar la grasa que se acumuló en el motor.

We have to clean the grease that accumulated on the engine.

El mecánico aplicó más grasa al eje para que no chirriara.

The mechanic applied more grease to the axle so it wouldn't squeak.

petróleo

nounB2general
Use 'petróleo' exclusively for crude oil, the fossil fuel that is extracted from the earth and refined.

Examples

El precio del petróleo subió esta semana.

The price of oil went up this week.

Confusing Cooking Oil with Crude Oil

The most common mistake is using 'petróleo' for everyday cooking oils. Remember, 'petróleo' is only for the raw, fossil fuel. For anything you cook with, use 'aceite'.

Related Translations

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