Spanish word

ración

Pronunciation

IPA/raˈθjon/

Meaning

  • feminine nounserving

Example

Para cenar pedimos una ración de ensalada.

For dinner we ordered a serving of salad.

Illustration for ración (serving)

More examples

En el bar pedimos una ración para compartir entre tres.

At the bar we ordered a serving to share among three.

Core concept

Assigned share of food served as a single plate or for distributing among people.

Common phrases

  • una ración de

    a serving of

  • media ración

    half serving

  • ración para compartir

    serving to share

Similar words

porción: Single cut or portion of food, typically one person's share from a larger item.
plato: Single dish served on a plate as one menu item or course.
tapa: Small snack-sized bite served on a small plate to accompany drinks.
media ración: Half-sized serving offered as a smaller portion of a regular dish.

Definition in Spanish

Cantidad asignada de comida que se sirve en un plato o bandeja, usada como ración individual o para repartir.

Word origin

Derived from Latin ratio 'calculation, share', where the idea of an assigned share naturally extended to a measured serving of food.

Usage tips

  • On menus in Spain ración usually denotes a larger dish (bigger than a tapa) often shared, and many restaurants offer media ración for a smaller amount.

Other meanings

  • portionnoun
  • sharenoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word