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How to Say "soda" in Spanish

English → Spanish

refresco

/re-FRES-ko//reˈfɾesko/

nounA1general
Use this general term for a fizzy, non-alcoholic drink, especially common in the United States and some Latin American countries.
A tall glass filled with a bubbly dark soda, ice cubes, and a colorful straw.

Examples

¿Quieres un refresco de naranja?

Do you want an orange soda?

No bebo refrescos porque tienen mucha azúcar.

I don't drink soft drinks because they have a lot of sugar.

Sirvieron unos refrescos durante el intermedio.

They served some refreshments during the intermission.

Always Masculine

Even if the flavor of the soda is a feminine word (like 'naranja' or 'fresa'), you still use the masculine 'el' or 'un' because 'refresco' is a masculine noun.

Soda vs. Juice

Mistake: “Using 'refresco' for fruit juice.”

Correction: Use 'jugo' or 'zumo' for juice. 'Refresco' usually implies something carbonated or a manufactured cold drink.

soda

/SOH-dah//ˈsoða/

nounA1general
This term is also used for carbonated soft drinks, particularly in some parts of Latin America, and can refer to various flavors.
A tall glass filled with dark carbonated soda and ice cubes, with small bubbles rising to the top.

Examples

¿Quieres una soda de naranja o de uva?

Do you want an orange or a grape soda?

No deberías beber tanta soda porque tiene mucha azúcar.

You shouldn't drink so much soda because it has a lot of sugar.

Gender and Articles

Since this word ends in 'a' and is feminine, always use 'la' or 'una' with it (e.g., 'la soda').

Regional Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'soda' in Spain to mean a sweet coke.”

Correction: In Spain, people usually say 'refresco'. Use 'soda' mainly when talking to people from Latin America or if you specifically want sparkling water.

fresca

FRES-kah/ˈfɾeska/

nounB1informal
Use this informal term for a soft drink when you are very thirsty; it's common in Mexico and Central America.
A clear glass filled with a bubbling, bright orange soft drink, showing condensation on the outside.

Examples

Pásame una fresca, por favor, tengo mucha sed.

Hand me a soda, please, I'm very thirsty.

¿Qué tipo de frescas tienen?

What kind of soft drinks do you have?

cola

/KOH-lah//ˈko.la/

nounB2general
This word is often used specifically for cola-flavored soft drinks, but can sometimes refer to any soft drink, especially in Spain.
A clear glass containing a dark brown, fizzy soda drink with ice.

Examples

Pide una cola bien fría para la cena.

Order a really cold soda for dinner.

¿Quieres una cola o prefieres agua?

Do you want a cola or do you prefer water?

Choosing Between 'Refresco' and 'Soda'

Learners often wonder whether to use 'refresco' or 'soda'. While both mean 'soda', 'refresco' is more universally understood across Spanish-speaking regions for a general fizzy drink. 'Soda' can also be used, but might be more specific or regional depending on where you are.

Related Translations

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