Bocado vs. tentempié vs. bocadillo vs. botana vs. merienda vs. aperitivo
In Spanish, there are many ways to refer to small amounts of food eaten between meals or as a light meal. The terms 'bocado', 'tentempié', 'bocadillo', 'botana', 'merienda', and 'aperitivo' are commonly used in various regional contexts to mean 'snack'. This article will explore the nuances of each word and provide examples to highlight their differences.
Bocado
A 'bocado' usually refers to a single mouthful or bite of food, often something tasty or a delicacy.
Los invitados disfrutaron de un bocado de queso artesanal.
(The guests enjoyed a mouthful of artisanal cheese.)
Tentempié
A 'tentempié' is a light snack that is generally eaten between meals to hold over hunger. It may consist of both sweet or savory items.
Tomé un tentempié de yogur y frutas por la tarde.
(I had a yogurt and fruit snack in the afternoon.)
Bocadillo
In Spain, 'bocadillo' specifically refers to a sandwich made with Spanish bread. In parts of Latin America, it can also mean a small portion of any food.
Me hice un bocadillo de jamón serrano para el almuerzo.
(I made myself a Serrano ham sandwich for lunch.)
Botana
'Botana' is mainly used in Mexico and some parts of Central America to mean a snack that is often eaten while socializing or drinking, similar to appetizers.
"¿Qué botana vas a llevar a la fiesta?" "Pensé en hacer guacamole y totopos."
("What snack are you bringing to the party?" "I thought about making guacamole and tortilla chips.")
Merienda
'Merienda' refers to an afternoon snack or light meal typically eaten around 5-6 PM, especially by children after school or by adults in the late afternoon.
La merienda de los niños consistió en un vaso de leche y galletas.
(The children's snack consisted of a glass of milk and cookies.)
Aperitivo
An 'aperitivo' is a light fare often served before the main meal to stimulate the appetite, similar to an hors d'oeuvre.
Antes de la cena, nos ofrecieron unas aceitunas como aperitivo.
(Before dinner, we were offered some olives as an appetizer.)
Summary
Although 'bocado', 'tentempié', 'bocadillo', 'botana', 'merienda', and 'aperitivo' can all be considered snacks in one form or another, they range from simple bites (bocado) to more substantial food items designed to satisfy hunger between meals (tentempié), typical sandwiches (bocadillo), casual munchies during gatherings (botana), traditional afternoon treats (merienda), and light starters before main courses (aperitivo). Understanding these cultural nuances can help one navigate Spanish culinary terminology effectively.