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

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 3

Tortas españolas:

Ahorita, tengo hambre. - Xocoyote, Feb 16, 2012

:))) - Cordobesa, Feb 16, 2012

¡Qué rico! - StuartSD, Feb 16, 2012

Answer 4

(At least in México)

This is a torta:

And this is a sandwich:

Voy a tomar esa torta, por favor! - Pablo-Peligroso, Feb 15, 2012

:D - NikkiLR, Feb 16, 2012

Answer 5

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

Answer 6

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