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How to Say "tapa" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tapa

TAH-pah/ˈtapa/

nounA1general
Use this word when referring to Spanish appetizers or snacks in general, often enjoyed with a drink.
A small white ceramic plate holding slices of red Spanish chorizo sausage and green olives.

Examples

Vamos a tomar una cerveza y unas tapas.

Let's grab a beer and some tapas.

¿Qué tapas tienen hoy? ¿Hay patatas bravas?

What tapas do you have today? Are there spicy potatoes?

En Andalucía, a veces te dan la tapa gratis con la bebida.

In Andalusia, sometimes they give you the tapa for free with the drink.

Using 'Tapa' for a Full Meal

Mistake: “Pedimos tres tapas para cenar (We ordered three tapas for dinner).”

Correction: Tapas are snacks, not usually a full meal. You should say 'Pedimos tres raciones' or 'Pedimos tres platos' if you mean a full dinner.

montado

/mohn-TAH-doh//monˈtaðo/

nounB1general
Use this word when the 'tapa' specifically consists of food served on top of a small piece of bread.
A small slice of crusty bread topped with a piece of ham and a green olive.

Examples

Pedimos dos montados de lomo y uno de queso.

We ordered two small pork sandwiches and one cheese one.

Tapa vs. Montado

The most common mistake is using 'tapa' to refer to food on bread when 'montado' is the more precise term. Remember, all 'montados' are types of 'tapas', but not all 'tapas' are 'montados'.

Related Translations

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