Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Spearmint in Spanish
Hierbabuena · noun · yehr-bah-BWEH-nah
The Spanish word for spearmint is 'hierbabuena,' literally meaning 'good herb.' It is widely used in cooking, beverages, and traditional remedies throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
Pronounce 'hierbabuena' as yehr-bah-BWEH-nah. The 'h' is silent, and the 'ie' diphthong sounds like 'yeh.'
Agregué hierbabuena fresca al mojito.
I added fresh spearmint to the mojito.
spearmint in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for spearmint, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| hierbabuena | spearmint | yehr-bah-BWEH-nah | Default, widely understood |
| menta verde | spearmint | literal translation, some regions | |
| yerbabuena | spearmint | alternate spelling in some countries |
How Native Speakers Use Hierbabuena
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
In cooking
Esta sopa lleva hojas de hierbabuena.
This soup has spearmint leaves.
Describing an ingredient in a recipe.
Herbal tea
Me gusta tomar té de hierbabuena después de cenar.
I like to drink spearmint tea after dinner.
A soothing evening routine.
In the garden
Plantamos hierbabuena en el jardín de la casa.
We planted spearmint in the house garden.
Talking about home gardening.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Hierbabuena
Confusing 'hierbabuena' with 'menta'
Incorrect: Quiero un té de menta. (meaning spearmint specifically)
Correct: Quiero un té de hierbabuena.
While 'menta' is a general term for mint (often referring to peppermint), 'hierbabuena' specifically means spearmint, which has a milder, sweeter flavor.
Misspelling as two separate words
Incorrect: Compré hierba buena en el mercado.
Correct: Compré hierbabuena en el mercado.
Although 'hierbabuena' literally translates as 'good herb,' it is written as a single compound word when referring to spearmint.
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See Hierbabuena used by native speakers
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Common Questions About spearmint in Spanish
- Is 'hierbabuena' the same as 'menta'?
- They are related but distinct — 'hierbabuena' specifically refers to spearmint (Mentha spicata), while 'menta' is a broader term that often refers to peppermint (Mentha piperita) or mint in general.
- Can you spell it 'yerbabuena'?
- The alternate spelling 'yerbabuena' is accepted by the Real Academia Española and is commonly used in some Latin American countries, particularly Mexico.
- What dishes use hierbabuena?
- Spearmint appears in mojitos, lamb dishes, Middle Eastern-inspired tabbouleh, fresh salads, herbal teas, and traditional Mexican salsas — its fresh flavor pairs well with both savory and sweet preparations.