Inklingo

How to Say "sandwich" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bocadillo

bo-ka-dee-yobokaˈdiʝo

nounA1informal
Use 'bocadillo' when referring to a sandwich made with a long, crusty bread roll, like a baguette, often filled with simple ingredients.
A long crusty baguette sandwich filled with slices of ham and cheese.

Examples

Quiero un bocadillo de jamón y queso para almorzar.

I want a ham and cheese sandwich for lunch.

Siempre llevo un bocadillo en la mochila cuando voy a la montaña.

I always carry a sandwich in my backpack when I go to the mountains.

El bocadillo de calamares es la comida más famosa de las plazas de Madrid.

The squid sandwich is the most famous food in Madrid's squares.

Describing Fillings

To say what is inside the sandwich, use the word 'de' (of). For example: 'un bocadillo DE pollo' (a chicken sandwich).

Bocadillo vs. Sándwich

In Spain, 'bocadillo' is for crusty baguette bread, while 'sándwich' is only used for soft, sliced white bread (like sliced loaf bread).

The Bread Trap

Mistake: “Asking for a 'bocadillo' and expecting square sliced bread.”

Correction: Ask for a 'sándwich' (using the English word with a Spanish accent) if you want soft sliced bread.

sandwich

SAHN-dweetchˈsandwitʃ

nounA1
Use 'sandwich' for a sandwich made with sliced bread, similar to the English concept, especially in more international or modern contexts.
A fresh sandwich made with two slices of bread, lettuce, tomato, and cheese.

Examples

Quiero un sandwich de jamón y queso para el almuerzo.

I want a ham and cheese sandwich for lunch.

Ella prefiere el sandwich con pan integral.

She prefers the sandwich with whole wheat bread.

No tengo mucha hambre, solo comeré un sandwich pequeño.

I'm not very hungry, I'll just eat a small sandwich.

Spelling and Accents

In formal writing, Spanish adds an accent to make it 'sándwich'. This helps you know to emphasize the first part of the word (SAN-dweetch).

Making it Plural

When you have more than one, you add '-es' at the end to get 'sándwiches'. This is different from English, which just adds 's'.

The Plural 'S'

Mistake: “Dos sandwichs.”

Correction: Dos sándwiches.

torta

TOR-tahˈtoɾta

nounA2
Use 'torta' specifically for a Mexican-style sandwich, which is often large, warm, and made with a round, soft roll.
A large, thick Mexican sandwich (torta) made on a round roll, cut in half and revealing layers of meat, cheese, and avocado.

Examples

Voy a pedir una torta de milanesa con aguacate y queso.

I'm going to order a breaded meat sandwich with avocado and cheese.

¿Quieres una torta o un taco para el almuerzo?

Do you want a torta (sandwich) or a taco for lunch?

Mexican vs. Spanish Meaning

Mistake: “Asking for a 'torta' (cake) in Mexico and being served a savory sandwich.”

Correction: If you are in Mexico, assume 'torta' means sandwich unless the context is clearly dessert.

Bocadillo vs. Sandwich

The most common mistake is using 'bocadillo' when you mean a sandwich made with sliced bread. Remember, 'bocadillo' specifically implies a crusty roll, while 'sandwich' is for sliced bread, though 'bocadillo' is often more common for any hearty roll sandwich outside of Mexico.

Related Translations

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