Inklingo

How to Say "starters" in Spanish

English → Spanish

entradas

en-TRAH-dasenˈtɾa.ðas

nounA2informal
Use 'entradas' when referring to small dishes served at the beginning of a meal, often as appetizers or shared plates.
A small white plate holding three colorful, neatly arranged appetizers, such as small rolls or skewers.

Examples

Pedimos unas tapas y unas entradas para compartir.

We ordered some tapas and some starters to share.

Para empezar, pediremos unas entradas para compartir.

To start, we will order some appetizers to share.

En este restaurante, las entradas son tan grandes como los platos principales.

In this restaurant, the starters are as big as the main courses.

Menu Terminology

In Spanish, the meal typically goes: 'entradas' (starters), 'plato principal' (main course), and 'postre' (dessert).

primeros

pree-MEH-rohspɾiˈme.ɾos

nounB1
Use 'primeros' (often as 'los primeros platos') to refer to the first course of a formal meal, distinct from appetizers.
A close-up view of three simple, primary-colored wooden blocks grouped together on a table, representing the original set. A vast collection of similar blocks is blurred in the distance.

Examples

La cena consistió en una ensalada como primer plato y luego pescado.

The dinner consisted of a salad as the first course and then fish.

Los primeros en terminar la carrera recibirán un premio.

The first ones to finish the race will receive a prize.

Ya hemos comido los primeros; ahora traiga los segundos.

We have already eaten the starters; now bring the main courses.

Queremos ver los resultados. ¿Dónde están los primeros?

We want to see the results. Where are the first ones?

Implied Noun

When 'primeros' is used as a noun, it means 'the first people' or 'the first things,' depending on the context, and often replaces a noun to avoid repetition.

Missing the Article

Mistake: “Saying *Primeros llegaron tarde*.”

Correction: You must include the masculine plural article: *Los primeros llegaron tarde* (The first ones arrived late).

Entradas vs. Primeros

The most common mistake is using 'entradas' when 'primeros' is more appropriate for a formal first course. Remember that 'entradas' usually refers to appetizers or smaller shared dishes, while 'primeros' is the actual first substantial dish of a meal.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.