What is the difference between "la torta" and "el sandwich" in Spanish?

Question

Today in Spanish, our teacher said that la torta could be used as el sandwich. Is there any difference and is there any usage difference (like in different countries)? Thanks!

• Hi rjeng, I added quotation marks and the language clarification to your title. Interesting post! - StuartSD Feb 15, 2012

Answer 1

Hi Rjeng. As far as I know, torta is widely understood to mean cake. The definition for torta in English also lists torta as meaning sandwich in Mexico. El sándwich (used by Spanish speakers in the U.S.) (also spelled sándwiche (Central America) and sánduche (Columbia)) is an anglicism which means sandwich. Quick related aside - there's a dish in Spain called, "torta/tortilla española" which is kind of like an omelette (lots of eggs and potatoes). Yum.

• Yes, Stuart, I forgot about U.S.-usage of el sandwich. - xocoyote Feb 15, 2012
• Nobody I've ever met thinks torta means cake, always sandwich. - jeezzle Feb 15, 2012
• Pastel for cake. Of course this is Mexican Spanish. - jeezzle Feb 15, 2012
• In Nicaragua we say torta for cake or pastry. - Martha-SD Feb 15, 2012
• Sí, hay países (no en España) donde se usa torta como "cake". - Cordobesa Feb 16, 2012

Answer 2

Tortas españolas:

• Ahorita, tengo hambre. - xocoyote Feb 16, 2012
• :))) - Cordobesa Feb 16, 2012
• ¡Qué rico! - StuartSD Feb 16, 2012

Answer 3

I believe it is just the difference of countries, but someone can correct me if I am wrong...

Answer 4

There are regional differences between countries. In México, la torta is used to mean "el sándwich. When I go to Mexico, I find that torta is the preferred term. I originally learned the formal term "bocadillo" and people kept telling me that they did not understand what I wanted. Other words for a type "sandwich" is "el bocadillo" which is a common term in Spain, and la bala fría in Venezuela. But torta also means "cake" in other countries.

Answer 5

A torta is made on a roll. A sandwich is usually made with sliced bread. As far as I can tell that is the only difference. At least with the tortas in Mexico.

• Good point, although I have ordered tortas in Mexico on sliced bread as well. - xocoyote Feb 15, 2012

Answer 6

(At least in México)

This is a torta:

And this is a sandwich:

• Voy a tomar esa torta, por favor! - Pablo-Peligr Feb 15, 2012
• :D - NikkiRivera Feb 16, 2012