Inklingo

How to Say "tavern" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cantina

kan-TEE-nahkanˈtina

nounA2rustic or old-fashioned pub
Use 'cantina' for a more rustic, traditional, or older-style bar, often associated with Mexican culture and serving drinks like tequila alongside snacks.
A colorful traditional Mexican bar with a wooden counter, high stools, and rustic decorations.

Examples

Vamos a la cantina para tomar unos tequilas y comer botanas.

Let's go to the bar to have some tequilas and eat snacks.

Los trabajadores almuerzan todos los días en la cantina de la fábrica.

The workers eat lunch every day in the factory cafeteria.

La cantina del instituto vende sándwiches muy buenos.

The high school snack bar sells very good sandwiches.

Gender Identification

Since this word ends in '-a', it is feminine. Always use feminine markers like 'la cantina' (the bar) or 'una cantina' (a bar).

Pluralization

To make it plural, just add an '-s' at the end: 'las cantinas'. The stress remains on the second-to-last syllable.

Canteen vs. Cantimplora

Mistake: “Using 'cantina' to mean a water bottle for hiking.”

Correction: Use 'cantimplora' for a portable water flask. In Spanish, a 'cantina' is a place (a room or building), not a bottle you carry.

taberna

tah-BEHR-nahtaˈβeɾna

nounA2a traditional place serving drinks and food
Choose 'taberna' for a more general, traditional establishment that serves drinks and food, often implying a classic or historical feel, without a specific cultural association.
A cozy interior of a rustic wooden tavern with tables, chairs, and glasses on a counter.

Examples

Quedamos en la taberna de la esquina para tomar un vino.

We are meeting at the tavern on the corner to have some wine.

Esta taberna es famosa por sus tapas tradicionales.

This tavern is famous for its traditional tapas.

Las paredes de la vieja taberna estaban llenas de fotos antiguas.

The walls of the old tavern were full of old photos.

Gender Identification

Because it ends in '-a', this word is feminine. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with it (la taberna).

Taberna vs. Bar

Mistake: “Using 'taberna' for a modern night club.”

Correction: Use 'taberna' for places with a rustic, wooden, or historical feel. Use 'discoteca' or 'club' for modern nightlife.

Cantina vs. Taberna

Learners often use 'cantina' too broadly. Remember that 'cantina' specifically evokes a rustic, often Mexican-influenced bar, while 'taberna' is a more general term for a traditional drinking establishment.

Related Translations

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