Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Appetizers in Spanish
Aperitivos · noun · ah-peh-ree-TEE-vohs
Appetizers can be called "aperitivos" (general), "entremeses" (formal), "tapas" (Spain), or "botanas" (Mexico). The right word depends on where you are and how formal the setting is.
"Aperitivos" is pronounced ah-peh-ree-TEE-vohs with the stress on the penultimate syllable.
Pedimos varios aperitivos antes del plato principal.
We ordered several appetizers before the main course.
Appetizers in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for appetizers, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| aperitivos | appetizers | ah-peh-ree-TEE-vohs | Default, widely understood |
| entremeses | appetizers | formal dining, served before main course | |
| tapas | appetizers | Spain, small shared dishes | |
| botanas | appetizers | Mexico, snacks or bar food |
How Native Speakers Use Aperitivos
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Formal dining
Los entremeses incluían jamón, queso y aceitunas.
The appetizers included ham, cheese, and olives.
"Entremeses" is preferred in formal or written menus.
Spanish tapas culture
Fuimos de tapas por el centro de Sevilla.
We went out for tapas in downtown Seville.
"Ir de tapas" is a social tradition of hopping between bars sampling small dishes.
Mexican context
Prepara unas botanas para la fiesta de esta noche.
Prepare some snacks for tonight's party.
In Mexico, "botanas" covers appetizers, bar snacks, and party food.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Aperitivos
Using tapas universally
Incorrect: En México, fuimos a comer tapas.
Correct: En México, fuimos a comer botanas.
"Tapas" is specifically Spanish. In Mexico, the equivalent casual term is "botanas." Using "tapas" in a Mexican context sounds foreign.
Singular confusion
Incorrect: Quiero un aperitivos.
Correct: Quiero un aperitivo.
"Aperitivos" is plural. The singular form is "aperitivo." Match the article to the number: "un aperitivo" (one appetizer) vs. "unos aperitivos" (some appetizers).
Lock in Appetizers Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Aperitivos used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using aperitivos in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Pedimos varios aperitivos antes del plato principal. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Appetizers in Spanish
- What is the difference between tapas and entremeses?
- Tapas are small, informal dishes shared at bars and restaurants in Spain, often eaten while standing. Entremeses are more formal appetizers served as a first course at a sit-down meal. The dishes may overlap, but the context differs.
- What are botanas in Mexico?
- "Botanas" are Mexican appetizers or snacks, ranging from chips with salsa to more elaborate dishes like tostadas or guacamole. The term is also used for any food served alongside drinks at a bar or party.
- Is aperitivo the same as the Italian aperitivo?
- The words share a Latin root and both refer to pre-meal food and drinks. However, in Spanish, "aperitivo" focuses on the food items, while the Italian tradition emphasizes the social ritual of a pre-dinner drink accompanied by small bites.