Sándwich vs. bocadillo vs. emparedado
The words 'sándwich', 'bocadillo' and 'emparedado' in Spanish all have the same general English translation as 'sandwich'. However, each term has its own distinct usage and slightly different connotations depending on region and the specific ingredients of the sandwich.
Sándwich
A sandwich typically consisting of a filling between two slices of bread. This term is used broadly across many Spanish-speaking regions, and is a direct loanword from English.
Voy a comer un sándwich de jamón y queso.
(I am going to eat a ham and cheese sandwich.)
Me gusta el sándwich de atún con mayonesa.
(I like the tuna sandwich with mayonnaise.)
Bocadillo
This term is used mostly in Spain and refers to a large sandwich made using a whole baguette or a similar type of long roll. The fillings can be varied and might include meats, cheeses, omelettes and more.
Para la cena, prefiero un bocadillo de tortilla española.
(For dinner, I prefer a Spanish omelette baguette.)
El bocadillo de jamón serrano es muy popular en España.
(The Serrano ham baguette is very popular in Spain.)
Emparedado
'Emparedado' is used in some Central American countries to describe a traditional sandwich. It derives from the word 'pared' which means 'wall', symbolizing the bread walls around the filling.
El emparedado de pollo es mi almuerzo favorito.
(The chicken sandwich is my favorite lunch.)
Quiero un emparedado de aguacate y tomate.
(I want an avocado and tomato sandwich.)
Summary
In summary, while 'sándwich', 'bocadillo', and 'emparedado' all mean sandwich, 'sándwich' is used generally throughout Spanish-speaking countries for any kind of sandwich; 'bocadillo' represents larger sandwiches made with baguettes in Spain; and 'emparedado' serves as an alternate word for sandwiches in certain Central American countries.