Small, medium and large in different situations

Question

I realized today that I do not know the correct terms for ordering a specific drink size in a restaurant. I have never had to order a soft drink in Spanish because I normally drink water.

I know 'chico' y 'grande' are used for clothing sizes, but chico doesn't seem right to me for something such as drinks. Would pequeño be correct, then? Also, which word would you use for cup in this situation? I think vaso refers to only glass, whereas in a fast food restaurant the cups would be disposable.

Thanks!

Answer 1

HI , good question, ravel, it depends where you want to use the terms, I will suppose not in Spain, we would not use chico.

However, they do in Hispanic countries overseas.

Un vaso chico, por favor, un vaso pequeño.

Un vaso grande

Un vaso mediano

If it is wine: una copa

A cup, as in the one below:

una taza pequeña/chica, una taza mediana, una taza grande

In Spain: un café en taza pequeña, en mediana, en desayuno ( we do not mention the word taza)

Answer 2

If you think you're lost now, read this thread on cup sizes at Starbucks.

tall, grande, venti

or this one on Beer glass sizes in Spain caña, jarra