Spanish word

hierbabuena

Pronunciation

IPA/jeɾβaˈβwena/

Meaning

  • feminine nounmint

Example

Me gusta el olor de la hierbabuena.

I like the smell of mint.

Illustration for hierbabuena (mint)

More examples

Por las noches tomo té de hierbabuena.

At night I drink mint tea.

Core concept

Green spearmint leaves used in cooking and drinks.

Common phrases

  • té de hierbabuena

    mint tea

  • hojas de hierbabuena

    mint leaves

  • infusión de hierbabuena

    mint infusion

Similar words

menta: Mint leaves with a sharp, intense cooling flavor used when a strong peppermint kick is wanted.
yerbabuena: Softly aromatic mint leaves commonly served fresh as a mild garnish with foods and drinks.

Definition in Spanish

Designa varias especies de menta, especialmente la de hoja ancha, empleada fresca o seca para dar sabor.

Word origin

A compound of hierba ('herb') and buena ('good'), the term labels a fragrant 'good herb' historically applied to several mint species and particularly to culinary varieties.

Usage tips

  • In recipes and cafés hierbabuena is the usual word for the mint added to teas, salads, or mojitos, so request 'menta' only if a sharper peppermint flavor is wanted.

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