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"Tarta" is a noun which is often translated as "pie", and "pastel" is a noun which is often translated as "cake". Learn more about the difference between "tarta" and "pastel" below.
la tarta(
tahr
-
tah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
a. cake
Esta noche tenemos una tarta de chocolate sin harina.Tonight we have a flourless chocolate cake.
el pastel(
pahs
-
tehl
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (culinary)
a. cake
Necesito extracto de vainilla para hacer el glaseado del pastel.I need some vanilla extract to make the icing for the cake.
b. pie (with a pastry crust)
He comprado pastel de carne para la cena.I bought a meat pie for dinner.
2. (fine arts)
a. pastel
La mayoría de su obra es al pastel y acuarelas.Most of his work is done with pastels and watercolors.
