¡Salud! Everything You Need to Know About Beer in Spanish

Welcome to the fascinating world of beer in Spanish! Although cerveza is the most common, there are many more interesting ways to say “beer” in Spanish. From Latin America to Spain, every country has its own colloquial ways to refer to the all-time favorite drink. In this guide, we’ll teach you essential Spanish beer slang and practical phrases you need to know to talk like a native speaker. Let’s get to it!

Beer-Related Vocabulary

Before we dive into the diverse Spanish-speaking world of beer, let’s familiarize ourselves with some key terms related to this beverage. Here’s a handy chart to get you started:

How to Say Beer in Different Spanish-Speaking Countries

In Spanish-speaking countries, Spanish beer slang helps create vibrant expressions. For example, chela is derived from the Mayan word chel and is commonly used in Latin America. This word compares light blonde hair to the golden hue of beer in a unique way. Mexico also uses words like cheve and caguama to playfully refer to beer bottles, specifically to 1-liter beer bottles with the shape of a sea turtle’s shell. Expressing a preference for very cold beer, locals use words that sound similar to helado (frozen) like elodia or helodia.

In Argentina and Venezuela, Spanish speakers adopted birra from the Italian language. Meanwhile, Colombia’s historical link with Bavaria leads to the popular use of pola. In Ecuador, biela and pescuezuda playfully describe icy beer and long-necked bottles, respectively. 

Peru introduces the colloquial term cerbatana, meaning “blowgun,” cleverly connecting the word to the beloved beverage. In Spain, caña signifies a small beer, and litrona refers to the large, 1-liter bottle, ideal for casual gatherings with friends.

How to Order a Beer in Spanish

There are several ways to order a beer in Spanish. Here’s a chart with some common phrases used in different Spanish-speaking countries: 

Other Drink-Related Vocabulary

If beer isn’t your drink of choice, there are many other options out there. Let’s check out some other drink-related vocabulary as well as some helpful phrases:

Ways to Practice

To really get into Spanish and beer culture, try some fun ways to practice. Connect with native speakers for language exchange to improve your talking skills and learn how people talk. Visit local bars and chat with locals while enjoying a cold cerveza– it’s a great way to understand the language in a social setting. Also, watch Spanish films to hear real language use and catch on to everyday expressions, making your language journey more enjoyable and authentic.

Final Thoughts

We’ve taken a bubbly tour through the different words for beer. From the affectionate chela to the lively caña, each term carries a unique cultural touch. We’ve also delved into additional bar-related vocabulary, providing you with the tools to navigate social settings with ease. Whether you’re ordering a pola or drinking a caguama, using these terms will help you sound like a beer enthusiast. ¡Salud!