Spanish word

snack

Pronunciation

IPA/esˈnak/

Meaning

  • masculine nounsnack

Example

Voy a comprar un snack.

I'm going to buy a snack.

Illustration for snack (snack)

More examples

Después de la película comimos un snack rápido.

We ate a quick snack after the movie.

Core concept

Small packaged or ready-to-eat portion meant for eating between meals.

Common phrases

  • comer un snack

    eat a snack

  • un snack ligero

    a light snack

  • un snack para compartir

    a snack to share

Similar words

tentempié: Small light food eaten briefly to curb a passing hunger.
bocadillo: Simple sandwich made with bread and a savory or sweet filling.
picoteo: Series of small plates or finger foods meant to be nibbled at.
merienda: Light meal eaten in the afternoon or early evening.

Definition in Spanish

Porción pequeña de alimento, a menudo envasado o pensado para consumo rápido fuera de las comidas principales.

Word origin

Borrowed from English snack, originally meaning a quick bite, and adopted into Spanish in the 20th century to name single portions or packaged foods for rapid consumption.

Usage tips

  • 'Snack' on packaging usually means a convenience item sold ready to eat, while in a bar or household small shared items are more often called 'tapas' or 'algo para picar'.

Other meanings

  • noshnoun

Opposites

  • comida principalmain mealnoun

Word lists with this word