Spanish Conversation · Level 48
74 words
Spanish word
aperitivo
Pronunciation
IPA/apeɾiˈtiβo/
Meaning
- masculine nounaperitif
Example
¿Quieres un aperitivo antes de empezar la comida?
Do you want an aperitif before starting the meal?
More examples
Después del trabajo, tomamos un aperitivo rápido en la terraza.
After work, we had a quick aperitif on the terrace.
Core concept
A light pre-meal drink or small plate that opens the appetite and encourages conversation.
Common phrases
tomar un aperitivo
have an aperitif
aperitivo antes de la comida
aperitif before the meal
Similar words
tapa: Small savory plate or bite served with a drink at Spanish bars and restaurants.
botana: Mexican light snack eaten with drinks, typically shared and casual.
pasabocas: Small bite served with drinks in Colombia and nearby countries, meant for nibbling between sips.
Definition in Spanish
Bebida o ración ligera que se toma antes de la comida principal para estimular el apetito y facilitar la conversación.
Word origin
The Spanish word aperitivo comes from Italian aperitivo and ultimately from Latin aperire 'to open', originally naming drinks meant to open the appetite before a meal.
Usage tips
- Invitations often use '¿Tomamos un aperitivo?' and the word frequently implies a social pause at a bar where people share small bites as well as drinks.
Other meanings
- appetizernoun
- snacknoun
Opposites
- digestivodigestifnoun