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How to Say "pasty" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pálido

PAH-lee-dohˈpa.li.ðo

adjectiveA1informal
Use 'pálido' to describe someone who looks unusually pale, often indicating they are unwell or have seen something shocking.
A person with very light skin looking tired or unwell.

Examples

Estás muy pálido, ¿te sientes bien?

You are very pale, do you feel okay?

Ella se puso pálida cuando vio el accidente.

She turned pale when she saw the accident.

Su rostro pálido reflejaba el miedo que sentía.

His pale face reflected the fear he was feeling.

Matching the Noun

This word must change its ending to match what you are describing: 'el hombre pálido' (masculine), 'la mujer pálida' (feminine), or 'las caras pálidas' (plural).

Ser vs. Estar

Use 'ser' if someone is naturally pale as a permanent trait. Use 'estar' if they look pale right now because they are sick or scared.

Confusing 'blanco' and 'pálido'

Mistake: “Mi amigo es muy blanco hoy.”

Correction: Mi amigo está muy pálido hoy. Use 'pálido' for a lack of healthy color; 'blanco' usually refers to the color white itself or race.

pastel

pas-TELpasˈtɛl

nounB1regional
Use 'pastel' to refer to a small, handheld, savory pastry, often filled with meat or vegetables, common in certain regions.
A savory, deep-dish pot pie with a golden, flaky crust, placed on a wooden cutting board.

Examples

Mi abuela prepara un delicioso pastel de papa con queso.

My grandmother makes a delicious potato pie with cheese (or shepherd's pie).

Pedimos un pastel de carne en el restaurante.

We ordered a meat pie at the restaurant.

Food vs. Appearance

The most common mistake is confusing 'pastel' (food) with 'pálido' (appearance). Remember that 'pálido' describes how someone looks, while 'pastel' refers to a specific type of savory pastry.

Related Translations

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