Spanish word

bar

Pronunciation

IPA/baɾ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounbar

Example

¿Vamos al bar ahora?

Shall we go to the bar now?

Illustration for bar (bar)

More examples

¿A qué hora cierra el bar de la plaza?

What time does the bar in the square close?

Core concept

Informal place for drinks and small plates around a counter.

Common phrases

  • pedir en el bar

    order at the bar

  • conocer gente en el bar

    meet people at the bar

  • el dueño del bar

    the bar owner

Similar words

cafetería: Daytime café serving coffee and light meals for everyday quick visits.
pub: Casual drinking place centered on alcoholic drinks where friends meet and talk.
cervecería: Beer-focused venue offering a wide selection of brews and simple beer-friendly snacks.
taberna: Small, traditional drinking room serving alcohol and simple, homemade-style dishes.

Definition in Spanish

Establecimiento informal y de uso cotidiano con una barra donde se consumen bebidas y con frecuencia tapas; punto de encuentro social.

Word origin

A modern borrowing from English and French, ultimately from Old French barre 'rod, barrier', where the sense shifted from the counter to the establishment itself.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English distinctions between 'bar' and 'pub', Spanish bar covers casual drinking venues and places that serve food, so 'bar' can mean both a pub and a tapas spot.

Other meanings

  • tavernnoun
  • pubnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word