Inklingo

How to Say "sub" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “sub” is “bocadillo” — use 'bocadillo' for a long, typically French-roll style sandwich, common in Spain. It's the most general and widely understood term for a sub-style sandwich.

English → Spanish

bocadillo

bo-ka-dee-yobokaˈdiʝo

nounA1general
Use 'bocadillo' for a long, typically French-roll style sandwich, common in Spain. It's the most general and widely understood term for a sub-style sandwich.
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.

nounA1general
Use 'sándwich' for a sandwich made with sliced bread, though it can sometimes refer to a long roll similar to a 'bocadillo' or 'submarino'. It is a widely recognized loanword.

Examples

¿Quieres un sándwich de jamón y queso para el almuerzo?

Do you want a ham and cheese sandwich for lunch?

torta

TOR-tahˈtoɾta

nounA2general
Use 'torta' primarily in Mexico and some other Latin American countries for a large, thick sandwich roll filled with various ingredients.
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.

sub

soobsuβ

nounB1internet slang
Use 'sub' exclusively for internet slang, referring to a subscription to a content creator's channel or service, especially on platforms like Twitch or YouTube.
A friendly person holding up a colorful membership card with a star on it.

Examples

¡Gracias por ese sub, bienvenido al canal!

Thanks for that sub, welcome to the channel!

Ella es una sub muy activa en mi comunidad.

She is a very active sub in my community.

Se me olvidó renovar mi sub este mes.

I forgot to renew my sub this month.

Gender flexibility

When referring to a person, use 'el sub' for a male and 'la sub' for a female. When referring to the subscription itself, it is usually 'el sub'.

Shortening words

This is a 'clipping' where a long word like 'subscripción' is cut down for speed, exactly like in English.

Confusing with 'Subir'

Mistake: “Using 'sub' as a shortcut for the verb 'to go up'.”

Correction: 'Sub' is only used as a noun for people or things; for the action of going up, you must use 'subir'.

Confusing Sandwich Terms

The most common mistake is using 'sub' (internet slang) when you mean a physical sandwich. Always use 'bocadillo', 'sándwich', or 'torta' when referring to food. 'Bocadillo' is the most common for a long roll, especially in Spain.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.