Spanish word

conserva

Pronunciation

IPA/konˈseɾβa/

Meaning

  • feminine nounpreserved food

Example

En la despensa hay varias conservas.

There are several preserved foods in the pantry.

Illustration for conserva (preserved food)

More examples

Para la receta necesitas una conserva de atún.

For the recipe you need a can of tuna.

Core concept

A sealed can or jar of long-lasting pantry food.

Common phrases

  • conserva en aceite

    oil-preserved food

  • lata de conserva

    can of preserved food

  • conserva de atún

    can of tuna

Similar words

lata: Metal container that holds food and opens with a tab or can opener.
enlatado: Food in metal cans that stays shelf-stable after the canning process.
tarro: Glass or ceramic container with a wide mouth for storing foods.
frasco: Small glass jar or bottle for holding preserves, oils, or spices.

Definition in Spanish

Alimento preparado y envasado para mantenerse comestible durante mucho tiempo, por ejemplo productos en lata o en frasco.

Word origin

From Latin conservare 'to keep' via Spanish conservar, with conserva becoming a noun for food processed and packed to remain edible for long storage.

Usage tips

  • Used commonly in the plural conservas as a general category for canned or jarred goods, and English conserve is a false friend that usually means a fruit preserve such as jam.

Other meanings

  • canned foodnoun
  • jarred foodnoun

Opposites

  • alimento frescofresh foodnoun
  • producto perecederoperishable productnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word