Inklingo

How to Say "sub sandwich" in Spanish

English → Spanish

sub

soobsuβ

nounA2food
Use 'sub' when you want the most direct and commonly understood term for a sub sandwich, especially in informal settings or when the context is clear.
A long submarine sandwich filled with lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese on a wooden board.

Examples

Me gustaría un sub de jamón y queso, por favor.

I would like a ham and cheese sub, please.

Ese sub es demasiado grande para una sola persona.

That sub is too big for just one person.

Los subs de albóndigas son mis favoritos.

Meatball subs are my favorites.

Loanword behavior

Since this comes from English, it follows simple noun rules. It is always masculine: 'el sub'.

Generic use

Mistake: “Calling every sandwich a 'sub'.”

Correction: In most Spanish-speaking countries, a regular sandwich is a 'sándwich' or 'bocadillo'. Use 'sub' specifically for the long, submarine-shaped ones.

submarino

soob-mah-REE-nohsuβmaˈɾino

nounC1food item
Opt for 'submarino' when referring to a sub sandwich in a more descriptive or perhaps slightly more formal way, often emphasizing its elongated shape.
A long, hearty sub sandwich filled with layers of meat, cheese, and lettuce, resting on a wooden cutting board.

Examples

Vamos a comprar un submarino de pavo y queso para el almuerzo.

We are going to buy a turkey and cheese sub sandwich for lunch.

Prefiero pedir un submarino grande que dos pequeños.

I prefer to order one large sub than two small ones.

Choosing between 'sub' and 'submarino'

The most common mistake is overthinking the choice. 'Sub' is the most frequent and universally understood term, similar to its use in English. While 'submarino' is correct, it's less common in everyday speech and might sound a bit more formal or descriptive than necessary.

Related Translations

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