Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Raisin in Spanish: Pasa & Uva Pasa
Pasa · noun (feminine) · PAH-sah
The Spanish word for raisin is 'pasa,' short for 'uva pasa' (dried grape). This small, sweet dried fruit appears in many traditional Spanish and Latin American recipes, from holiday breads to savory rice dishes. The full form 'uva pasa' helps distinguish it from other meanings of 'pasa.'
Pronounce 'pasa' as PAH-sah, with equal stress on the first syllable. The plural 'pasas' is pronounced PAH-sahs.
El pan de canela lleva pasas y nueces.
The cinnamon bread has raisins and walnuts.
Raisin in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for raisin, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| pasa | raisin | PAH-sah | Default, widely understood |
| uva pasa | raisin | fuller form specifying dried grape | |
| pasita | raisin | diminutive used affectionately in Mexico |
How Native Speakers Use Pasa
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Baking
La receta del panettone lleva pasas remojadas en ron.
The panettone recipe calls for raisins soaked in rum.
Following a traditional holiday baking recipe.
Cereal topping
Me gusta agregar pasitas a mi avena del desayuno.
I like adding raisins to my breakfast oatmeal.
Describing morning eating habits.
Savory dish
El arroz con pasas y almendras es típico de la cocina árabe.
Rice with raisins and almonds is typical of Arab cuisine.
Explaining an international dish.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Pasa
Confusing 'pasa' with the verb 'pasar'
Incorrect: ¿Qué pasa? Quiero comer unas pasas. (confusing forms)
Correct: ¿Qué pasa? (What's happening?) / Quiero comer unas pasas. (I want raisins.)
'Pasa' as a noun means raisin, while 'pasa' as a verb form of 'pasar' means 'happens' or 'passes.' Context makes the distinction clear.
Using 'rasina' as a false cognate
Incorrect: Compré rasinas para el pastel.
Correct: Compré pasas para el pastel.
'Rasina' does not exist in Spanish. The word 'raisin' comes from French, not Spanish, so the correct Spanish term is 'pasa' or 'uva pasa.'
Lock in Raisin Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
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See Pasa used by native speakers
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Common Questions About Raisin in Spanish
- Why is a raisin called 'pasa' in Spanish?
- The word 'pasa' comes from the adjective 'pasada,' meaning something that has passed or dried out, which perfectly describes a grape that has undergone the drying process to become a raisin.
- Are golden raisins different from regular 'pasas'?
- Golden raisins are called 'pasas rubias' or 'pasas sultanas' in Spanish, distinguishing them from the darker 'pasas' made from standard grape varieties.
- Is 'pasita' a different thing from 'pasa'?
- The diminutive 'pasita' simply means a small raisin and is used affectionately in Mexico, though in some Mexican regions 'pasitas' also refers to a famous bar or a type of liqueur made with raisins.