Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Capers in Spanish: Alcaparras
Alcaparras · noun (feminine, usually plural) · ahl-kah-PAH-rrahs
Alcaparras is the standard Spanish word for capers — the small, pickled flower buds of the caper bush (Capparis spinosa) used widely in Mediterranean cuisine. The singular is alcaparra, but since capers are typically used in groups, the plural form is far more common.
ahl-kah-PAH-rrahs — four syllables. The stress falls on the third syllable (PAH) and the double r is a rolled trill.
Añade unas alcaparras a la salsa para darle sabor.
Add some capers to the sauce for flavor.
Capers in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for capers, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| alcaparras | capers | ahl-kah-PAH-rrahs | Default, widely understood |
| alcaparra | capers | universal (singular form) | |
| alcaparrón | capers | Spain (large caper berry) |
How Native Speakers Use Alcaparras
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
In a recipe
La receta lleva aceitunas, alcaparras y tomates secos.
The recipe calls for olives, capers, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Alcaparras frequently appear in ingredient lists alongside olives and tomatoes.
Ordering at a restaurant
¿El pescado viene con alcaparras?
Does the fish come with capers?
Asking about garnishes or toppings at a restaurant.
Shopping at a market
Necesito un frasco de alcaparras pequeñas.
I need a jar of small capers.
Capers are sold in jars (frascos) and the smaller ones (nonpareilles) are considered finer.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Alcaparras
Inventing a false cognate
Incorrect: Compra unos capers en la tienda.
Correct: Compra unas alcaparras en la tienda.
Capers does not exist in Spanish. The word is alcaparras, derived from Arabic al-kabbāra. Do not anglicize it.
Wrong gender article
Incorrect: Los alcaparras están en la nevera.
Correct: Las alcaparras están en la nevera.
Alcaparra is feminine, so the plural takes las, not los.
Lock in Capers 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 Alcaparras used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using alcaparras in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Añade unas alcaparras a la salsa para darle sabor. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
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Common Questions About Capers in Spanish
- How do you say capers in Spanish?
- Capers in Spanish is alcaparras (plural) or alcaparra (singular). The word comes from Arabic and is used throughout Spain and Latin America for the pickled flower buds.
- What is an alcaparrón?
- An alcaparrón is the larger caper berry — the fruit of the caper plant that develops if the bud is not harvested. It is bigger and milder than regular alcaparras, popular as a tapa in southern Spain.
- Are alcaparras common in Latin American cooking?
- Alcaparras appear in many Latin American dishes, especially in Colombian, Cuban, and Venezuelan cuisine. They feature in classics like ropa vieja, empanadas, and picadillo.