Inklingo

How to Say "zest" in Spanish

English → Spanish

apetito

/ah-peh-TEE-toh//apeˈtito/

nounB1general
Use 'apetito' when referring to a strong desire or enthusiasm for something, like a passion for learning or a hearty appetite for food.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration of a small character standing on a hill, looking with great excitement and longing toward a distant, brightly colored red kite flying high in the blue sky.

Examples

Tiene un gran apetito por la vida.

He has a great zest for life.

Ella tiene un apetito insaciable de conocimiento.

She has an insatiable appetite for knowledge.

Su ambición le dio un gran apetito de poder.

His ambition gave him a great appetite for power.

Figurative Use Pattern

When used figuratively, 'apetito' is almost always followed by the preposition 'de' (of) to indicate what the desire is for (e.g., 'apetito de aventura').

salsa

SAHL-sah/ˈsalsa/

nounB2informal
Choose 'salsa' when describing liveliness, flair, or an energetic quality added to a situation, performance, or group.
A drawing of a single, large, vibrant red chili pepper resting on a surface, emitting visible waves of heat and energy, symbolizing vigor and excitement.

Examples

La banda añadió mucha salsa a su actuación.

The band added a lot of zest to their performance.

El nuevo entrenador le puso mucha salsa al equipo.

The new coach added a lot of spice/flair to the team.

A esta reunión le falta un poco de salsa.

This meeting is missing a bit of excitement.

Figurative Use

This meaning is an extension of the food definition, suggesting something that makes life or an activity more flavorful or interesting.

Apetito vs. Salsa

Learners often confuse 'apetito' and 'salsa' because both imply energy. Remember that 'apetito' is about a personal drive or desire, while 'salsa' is about adding vibrancy or excitement to something external.

Related Translations

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