How to Say "omelet" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “omelet” is “tortilla” — use 'tortilla' for a general Spanish omelet, which is typically a flat, round dish made from beaten eggs fried in a pan. It can also refer to the famous Spanish 'tortilla de patatas' (potato omelet).
tortilla
tor-TEE-yahtorˈti.ʝa
Examples
Me apetece una tortilla francesa para cenar.
I fancy a French omelet for dinner.
En España, la tortilla de patatas es el plato más famoso.
In Spain, the potato omelet is the most famous dish.
¿Quieres tortillas de maíz o de harina para tus tacos?
Do you want corn or flour tortillas for your tacos?
Voy a preparar una tortilla francesa para el desayuno.
I'm going to make a plain omelet for breakfast.
Gender and Articles
The word is feminine because it ends in '-a.' Always use 'la' or 'una' with it (la tortilla).
Describing Ingredients
Use the word 'de' (of) to say what is inside the tortilla, like 'tortilla de patatas' (tortilla of potatoes).
Tortilla vs. Torta
Mistake: “Using 'torta' when you want a thin tortilla.”
Correction: In many countries, a 'torta' is a cake or a sandwich. Use 'tortilla' for the round, flat food item.
torta
TOR-tahˈtoɾta
Examples
Vamos a pedir una torta de patatas para compartir.
We are going to order a potato omelet to share.
Compramos una torta de chocolate para el cumpleaños de mi hermana.
We bought a chocolate cake for my sister's birthday.
La torta de manzana que hizo mi abuela es deliciosa.
The apple pie (or tart) my grandmother made is delicious.
Cake Confusion
Mistake: “Using 'torta' for a tall, layered cake in Spain or the Southern Cone.”
Correction: Use 'pastel' or 'tarta' instead. 'Torta' often implies a flatter, simpler cake or pie in many places outside of Mexico.
Confusing Tortilla and Torta
Related Translations
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