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How to Say "sweets" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dulces

DOOL-sehs/ˈdulθes/ (Spain) /ˈdulsis/ (Latam)

nounA1general
Use 'dulces' as a general term for confectionery or candy, referring to sweet treats collectively, especially when they are homemade or from a jar.
An assortment of colorful, wrapped and unwrapped candies, including lollipops and gummy bears, representing confectionery.

Examples

Mi abuela siempre tiene un tarro lleno de dulces.

My grandmother always has a jar full of sweets (candy).

Compramos muchos dulces para la fiesta de cumpleaños.

We bought a lot of candy for the birthday party.

No comas tantos dulces antes de la cena.

Don't eat so many sweets before dinner.

Gender and Number

Even though 'dulce' is an adjective, when it means 'sweets' or 'candy,' it is used as a masculine noun: 'el dulce' (one piece of candy), 'los dulces' (many sweets).

caramelos

kah-rah-MEH-lohs/ka.ɾaˈme.los/

nounA1general
Use 'caramelos' when referring to individually wrapped candies or sweets, similar to 'candies' in American English, often bought in bags.
A collection of vibrant, individually wrapped hard candies and a simple spiral lollipop resting on a light surface, illustrating the general concept of sweets.

Examples

Compré una bolsa de caramelos para la fiesta.

I bought a bag of candies for the party.

¿Tienes caramelos de limón? Son mis favoritos.

Do you have lemon sweets? They are my favorite.

El dentista dice que no debo comer tantos caramelos.

The dentist says I shouldn't eat so many candies.

Masculine Plural

The singular form is caramelo (masculine). Since caramelos ends in -os, it is used with masculine plural words, like 'los caramelos' (the candies) or 'muchos caramelos' (many candies).

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “La caramelos”

Correction: Los caramelos. Remember that words ending in -o are almost always masculine in Spanish.

General vs. Specific Candy

Learners often use 'caramelos' for all types of sweets, but it most accurately refers to individually wrapped candies. 'Dulces' is a broader term that encompasses all sweet treats, including those not individually wrapped.

Related Translations

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