Traveling to a Spanish-speaking country and craving a cold beer? Knowing how to order a beer in Spanish not only gets you that refreshing drink faster but also helps you connect with locals and enjoy the culture like a true insider. Whether you’re in a bustling bar in Madrid, a cozy cantina in Mexico, or a lively pub in Argentina, this guide will walk you through easy, friendly phrases and useful tips to order your beer confidently.
Basic Phrases to Order a Beer in Spanish
The simplest and most common way to order a beer is:
– “Una cerveza, por favor.”
(A beer, please.)
This phrase is polite and works well in almost any situation, whether you’re at a formal restaurant or a casual bar. If you want to be a bit more formal, you can say:
– “Quisiera una cerveza.”
(I would like a beer.)
Or for a casual, friendly tone:
– “¿Me das una cerveza?”
(Can you give me a beer?)
Adding “por favor” (please) and ending with “gracias” (thank you) goes a long way in showing politeness and friendliness.
Ordering Specific Beer Sizes and Types
In Spanish-speaking countries, especially Spain, beer sizes have special names that you might want to know:
| Size Name | Description | Typical Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Caña | Small draft beer, usually with foam | About 20 cl |
| Caña doble | Double-sized caña | 33-40 cl |
| Botellín or Quinto | Small bottle of beer | 25 cl |
| Tercio | Larger bottle, common in many bars | 33 cl |
| Tubo | Tall glass, often 30-50 cl | 30-50 cl |
| Jarra | Beer mug or pitcher | Around 50 cl |
| Litrona | Large 1-liter bottle, often bought in stores | 1 liter |
To order a specific size, just insert the size name into the phrase:
– “Ponme una caña, por favor.”
(Give me a small draft beer, please.)
– “Me puede traer un tercio de Mahou, por favor.”
(Can you bring me a 33 cl bottle of Mahou, please?)
Ordering by Beer Brand or Type
If you want to try a particular brand or type, here are some useful phrases:
– “¿Tienen Mahou?”
(Do you have Mahou?) – a popular Spanish beer brand.
– “Una Alhambra, por favor.”
(An Alhambra, please.) – another well-known Spanish beer.
– “Una cerveza artesanal, por favor.”
(An artisanal beer, please.) – if you want to try craft beers.
You can also specify the kind of beer by color or style:
– “Una rubia, por favor.” (A blonde beer, common slang in Spain.)
– “Una negra, por favor.” (A dark beer.)
– “Una clara, por favor.” (A beer mixed with lemon soda, like a shandy.)
Regional Variations in Ordering Beer
Spanish-speaking countries have their own slang and customs when it comes to beer:
– Mexico:
Beer is usually called “chela” informally. You can say:
“¿Me das una chela?” (Can you give me a beer?)
– Argentina:
The slang word “birra” is common:
“¿Me das una birra?”
– Spain:
Besides “cerveza,” you might hear “una rubia” for a light beer.
Knowing these terms helps you sound more natural and friendly in each country.
Tips for Ordering Beer Like a Local
– Greet your server: Start with a friendly “Hola” (hello) to create a warm atmosphere.
– Be polite: Always use “por favor” (please) and “gracias” (thank you).
– Ask about local beers: Try “¿Tienen cervezas locales?” (Do you have local beers?) to discover regional favorites.
– Specify if you want it cold: You can say “Una cerveza fría, por favor.” (A cold beer, please.)
– Ordering more: To ask for another beer, say “¿Me puede traer otra, por favor?” (Can you bring me another, please?)
– Observe local customs: In some places, it’s common to order rounds for the group, so follow the vibe around you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Avoid using informal phrases like “dame” (give me) in formal settings; instead, use “me puede dar” or “quisiera.”
– Pronounce “cerveza” clearly to avoid confusion.
– Don’t forget to greet and thank your server-it’s part of the culture and appreciated everywhere.
Ordering a beer in Spanish is simple and fun once you know a few key phrases and customs. Whether you want a small draft, a big bottle, or a local craft brew, these tips will help you enjoy your drink and your time in any Spanish-speaking country.
Cheers! – or as they say in Spain, ¡Salud!