Inklingo

How to Say "savory" in Spanish

English → Spanish

sabroso

/sah-BROH-soh//saˈβɾoso/

adjectiveA1general
Use this word when describing food that has a delicious, appealing, and generally non-sweet taste, encompassing both savory and flavorful aspects.
A slice of golden-brown pizza with melting cheese and vibrant red tomato sauce on a white plate.

Examples

Este pollo asado está muy sabroso.

This roasted chicken is very tasty.

Mi abuela prepara unas empanadas sabrosas.

My grandmother makes some delicious empanadas.

Buscamos un restaurante que sirva comida sabrosa y barata.

We are looking for a restaurant that serves tasty and cheap food.

Matching the Gender

Since this is a describing word, it must match the thing it describes. Use 'sabroso' for masculine things (el pan sabroso) and 'sabrosa' for feminine things (la fruta sabrosa).

Using 'Estar' vs 'Ser'

Use 'estar' when talking about a specific meal you are eating right now (Esta sopa está sabrosa). Use 'ser' when talking about a food in general (El chocolate es sabroso).

Forgetting the Plural

Mistake: “Los tacos son sabroso.”

Correction: Los tacos son sabrosos. Always add an 's' if you are describing more than one thing.

salado

/sah-LAH-doh//saˈlaðo/

adjectiveA2general
Choose this word when you specifically mean 'savory' in contrast to 'sweet,' focusing on a salt-based or non-sweet flavor profile.
A plate featuring a hot slice of pizza and a roasted chicken leg.

Examples

¿Prefieres un desayuno dulce o uno salado?

Do you prefer a sweet or a savory breakfast?

Me encantan los aperitivos salados.

I love savory snacks.

Venden pescado salado en el mercado.

They sell salted fish at the market.

Defining Categories

In this context, 'salado' is used to group foods together that aren't desserts.

Savory vs. Tasty

Mistake: “Thinking 'salado' means it tastes good (savory in a gourmet sense).”

Correction: It specifically means salt-based. Use 'sabroso' if you just mean it tastes delicious.

Sabroso vs. Salado

Learners often confuse 'sabroso' and 'salado' because both can mean 'savory.' Remember that 'sabroso' is a broader term for delicious and flavorful, while 'salado' specifically means salty or non-sweet, often used in direct contrast to 'dulce' (sweet).

Related Translations

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