Inklingo

How to Say "spice" in Spanish

English → Spanish

especia

es-PEH-syahesˈpeθja

nounA2culinary
Use 'especia' when referring to the dried seeds, fruits, roots, bark, or other plant parts used for flavoring, coloring, or preserving food.
A wooden bowl filled with a pile of vibrant, ground reddish-orange spice next to whole cinnamon sticks and star anise.

Examples

Me encanta añadir un poco de especia a mis guisos.

I love adding a little spice to my stews.

La canela es mi especia favorita para el café.

Cinnamon is my favorite spice for coffee.

Tienes que comprar más especias en el mercado.

You have to buy more spices at the market.

Esta receta utiliza una mezcla de especias muy exóticas.

This recipe uses a mix of very exotic spices.

Feminine Noun

This word is feminine, so you always use 'la' or 'una'. In the plural, it becomes 'las especias'.

Describing Spices

When you want to say food is 'spiced' or 'spicy,' you usually use the related adjective 'especiado' (flavorful with spices) or 'picante' (hot/burning).

Especia vs. Especie

Mistake: “Using 'especie' to mean 'spice'.”

Correction: Use 'especia' for cooking. 'Especie' means 'species' or 'type' (like a species of animal).

Especia vs. Hierba

Mistake: “Calling fresh cilantro an 'especia'.”

Correction: In Spanish, 'especias' usually refers to dried seeds/roots/bark (like pepper or cloves), while 'hierbas' refers to the green leafy parts of plants.

salsa

SAHL-sahˈsalsa

nounB2figurative
Use 'salsa' when you want to convey a sense of excitement, vigor, or liveliness, often used metaphorically to describe added interest or zest.
A drawing of a single, large, vibrant red chili pepper resting on a surface, emitting visible waves of heat and energy, symbolizing vigor and excitement.

Examples

Su discurso le dio mucha salsa al evento.

His speech added a lot of spice/flair to the event.

El nuevo entrenador le puso mucha salsa al equipo.

The new coach added a lot of spice/flair to the team.

A esta reunión le falta un poco de salsa.

This meeting is missing a bit of excitement.

Figurative Use

This meaning is an extension of the food definition, suggesting something that makes life or an activity more flavorful or interesting.

Culinary vs. Figurative Use

The most common mistake is using 'especia' when the intended meaning is figurative excitement. Remember that 'especia' is for food flavorings, while 'salsa' is used for adding zest or interest to situations or people.

Related Translations

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