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"Botanas" is a form of "botana", a noun which is often translated as "snack". "Aperitivos" is a form of "aperitivo", a noun which is often translated as "appetizer". Learn more about the difference between "botanas" and "aperitivos" below.
la botana(
boh
-
tah
-
nah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (culinary) (Central America) (Mexico)
Regionalism used in Central America: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama
Regionalism used in Mexico
a. snack
Mientras mirábamos el partido, comimos botanas y bebimos refresco.We ate snacks and drank sodas while we watched the game.
b. appetizer (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
La anfitriona trajo una botana para los comensales.The hostess brought an appetizer for the dinner guests.
c. appetiser (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Las botanas consistían en fiambre y queso.The appetiser consisted of cold cuts and cheese.
el aperitivo(
ah
-
peh
-
ree
-
tee
-
boh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (culinary)
a. appetizer (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
¿Vas a pedir algún aperitivo? - Sí. Voy a pedir las croquetas de salmón.Are you going to order an appetizer? - Yes. I'm going to get the salmon croquettes.
Probé dos aperitivos deliciosos antes de la comida.I tried two delicious appetizers before lunch.
b. appetiser (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Pedimos un aperitivo mientras servían la cena.We ordered an appetiser while they served dinner.
2. (beverage)
a. aperitif
Tomamos un aperitivo en el lobby del restaurante.We had an aperitif in the restaurant lobby.
