Spanish Conversation · Level 83
59 words
Spanish word
tapa
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈtapa/
Meaning
- feminine nounappetizer, tapa
Example
¿Quieres probar una tapa?
Do you want to try an appetizer?
More examples
En este bar la tapa viene con la bebida.
In this bar the appetizer comes with the drink.
Core concept
Small plate served with a drink.
Common phrases
ir de tapas
go for tapas
una tapa
an appetizer
tapa gratis
free appetizer
Similar words
pincho: Single bite often skewered or placed on bread and eaten in one bite.
aperitivo: Light alcoholic drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
ración: Generous plated portion intended to be shared among several people.
Definition in Spanish
Pequeña porción o aperitivo servido en bares cuyo nombre remite al acto de 'tapar' (cubrir).
Word origin
From Spanish tapar 'to cover', originally a cloth or slice of bread used to cover a drink and later the food offered with that cover.
Usage tips
- Tapas vary regionally: some places include a tapa with a drink while others sell them individually, and larger portions are labeled raciones, so menu context determines what to expect.
Other meanings
- snacknoun
- lidnoun
Opposites
- plato principalmain coursenoun
Related words
- taperíatapas barnoun
- tapeargo for tapasverb
- tapeotapas tournoun