When you're talking about how much food someone gets, you'll use the word ración. Think of it like a serving size. So, if you're getting a plate of food, that's your ración. If you're sharing, you might get a smaller ración than someone else.
When you're talking about a specific serving size, especially for food, the word ración is what you'll use. Think of it like a portion. It's often used when talking about how much food someone gets, or how much is appropriate for one person.
For instance, if you're ordering tapas in Spain, you'll often see options for 'media ración' (half portion) or 'ración completa' (full portion). It's a very practical word to know when you're navigating menus or discussing food quantities.
ración 30초 만에
- Ración means a serving or portion of food/drink.
- It's about the amount for one person.
- Think 'individual serving size'.
§ What "Ración" Means
Let's talk about the Spanish word "ración." This word is pretty straightforward and useful, especially when you're dealing with food or portions. At its core, "ración" refers to a measured amount of food or drink intended for one person. Think of it as a serving size. You'll hear this word often in everyday situations, from ordering food to talking about how much you're eating.
- DEFINITION
- A measured amount of food or drink for one person.
So, if you're in a restaurant in Spain or Latin America and you see "ración" on the menu, it usually means a plate that's designed to be a single serving. This is different from a "tapa" (which is smaller, a snack) or a "plato combinado" (which is a full meal with several items). A "ración" is just that – one serving of a particular dish.
§ When People Use It
You'll find "ración" popping up in a few common scenarios. Here are the main ones:
- In Restaurants: This is probably the most frequent use. When you order a "ración de patatas bravas," you're getting a plate of brave potatoes that's a standard serving size.
- At Home: People use "ración" when they're talking about meal preparation or diet. For example, if someone is trying to eat smaller portions, they might say "Necesito una ración más pequeña" (I need a smaller portion).
- In Recipes: Recipes will sometimes specify "porciones" or "raciones" to indicate how many people the dish serves.
- With Drinks: While less common than with food, you might hear it used for a serving of a drink, though "vaso" (glass) or "copa" (goblet/glass) are more frequent.
Let's look at some examples to make this clearer:
¿Me trae una ración de jamón, por favor?
This translates to: "Can you bring me a serving of ham, please?" Here, you're asking for a standard plate of ham.
Esta ración de paella es perfecta para una persona.
Meaning: "This portion of paella is perfect for one person." This highlights that it's a single serving.
Sirvió una ración generosa de postre.
This means: "She served a generous portion of dessert." Here, "ración" is qualified by "generosa" (generous).
Understanding "ración" is key to navigating menus and food-related conversations in Spanish. It helps you know what to expect when you order and how to discuss portion sizes. It's a practical word that you'll hear and use frequently, so get comfortable with it!
§ Don't confuse it with "porción"
Many learners mix up ración and porción. While both relate to parts of a whole, they have different nuances. Think of ración as a standard, individual serving size, often predetermined or measured. Porción is more general, just 'a portion' or 'a piece' of something, without the implication of a single serving.
- DEFINITION
- A measured amount of food or drink for one person.
Una ración de arroz para cada uno. (An individual serving of rice for everyone.)
Dame una porción de pastel. (Give me a piece/portion of cake.)
§ Using it for non-food items
Ración is specifically for food or drink. You wouldn't use it for a 'portion' of a book or a 'portion' of work. For those, you'd use words like parte (part) or cantidad (amount).
Incorrect: Una ración del libro. (A serving of the book.)
Correct: Una parte del libro. (A part of the book.)
§ Plural vs. Singular
Like any noun, pay attention to using ración in its correct singular (ración) or plural (raciones) form. It's a common oversight, but crucial for clear communication.
Singular: Necesito una ración de sopa. (I need one serving of soup.)
Plural: Pedimos dos raciones de patatas bravas. (We ordered two servings of patatas bravas.)
§ Using it in specific contexts
Ración is very common in restaurant settings or when talking about food distribution. It's less common in casual conversation when you might just say 'some' or 'a little' of something. For instance, instead of saying '¿Quieres una ración de agua?' (Do you want a serving of water?), you'd more naturally say '¿Quieres un poco de agua?' (Do you want some water?)
En el restaurante, pedimos una ración de paella. (In the restaurant, we ordered an individual serving of paella.)
Incorrect: ¿Me das una ración de pan? (Can you give me a serving of bread?)
Correct: ¿Me das un poco de pan? (Can you give me some bread?)
재미있는 사실
The word 'ración' shares its roots with the English word 'ration', highlighting a common linguistic heritage in concepts of measured portions.
알아야 할 문법
Nouns in Spanish have gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural). 'ración' is a feminine singular noun.
La ración de paella es suficiente para uno. (The portion of paella is enough for one.)
Feminine nouns ending in -ción, -sión, -xión, -dad, -tad, -tud, -umbre, and -ie are typically feminine.
La porción (the portion), La televisión (the television), La dificultad (the difficulty).
When talking about quantity, you often use 'una ración de' (a portion of) followed by the food item.
Quiero una ración de patatas bravas, por favor. (I want a portion of patatas bravas, please.)
The plural form of 'ración' is 'raciones'. Nouns ending in -ción form their plural by adding -es.
Las raciones de comida son generosas. (The food portions are generous.)
You can use adjectives to describe the portion, placing them after the noun. For example, 'ración pequeña' (small portion) or 'ración grande' (large portion).
Me sirvieron una ración muy pequeña. (They served me a very small portion.)
수준별 예문
Quiero una ración de paella, por favor.
I want a portion of paella, please.
Here, 'ración' means 'portion' or 'serving'.
Esta ración es muy grande para mí.
This serving is too big for me.
'muy grande' means 'very big' or 'too big'.
¿Cuántas raciones necesitas?
How many servings do you need?
'Cuántas' is used for plural feminine nouns.
Dame una ración pequeña de patatas fritas.
Give me a small portion of French fries.
'pequeña' means 'small' and agrees with 'ración'.
La ración de pollo es deliciosa.
The chicken portion is delicious.
'deliciosa' means 'delicious' and agrees with 'ración'.
Compartimos una ración de churros.
We shared a serving of churros.
'Compartimos' is the past tense of 'compartir' (to share).
Solo tengo una ración de arroz.
I only have one serving of rice.
'Solo' means 'only'.
Pide dos raciones de croquetas.
Order two portions of croquettes.
'Pide' is the informal command form of 'pedir' (to order/ask for).
Una ración de paella, por favor.
A serving of paella, please.
¿Quieres otra ración de pastel?
Do you want another portion of cake?
La ración de patatas fritas es grande.
The serving of French fries is big.
Necesito una ración doble de café.
I need a double portion of coffee.
Compartimos una ración de tapas.
We shared a serving of tapas.
Esta ración es suficiente para mí.
This portion is enough for me.
No pidas otra ración; ya comiste mucho.
Don't order another helping; you already ate a lot.
La ración del almuerzo es saludable.
The lunch portion is healthy.
La ración de alimentos se distribuyó equitativamente entre los refugiados, asegurando que cada persona recibiera lo necesario para subsistir.
The food portion was distributed equally among the refugees, ensuring that each person received what was necessary to subsist.
Here, 'ración' refers to a portion of food. 'Se distribuyó' is a passive construction.
El montañista calculó cuidadosamente la ración diaria de agua para la expedición, previendo cualquier imprevisto en el camino.
The mountaineer carefully calculated the daily water ration for the expedition, anticipating any unforeseen events along the way.
'Ración' here is a daily allowance of water. 'Calculó' is in the preterite tense.
Después de la carrera, los atletas disfrutaron de una ración generosa de paella, reponiendo energías para el día siguiente.
After the race, the athletes enjoyed a generous portion of paella, replenishing energy for the next day.
'Ración generosa' emphasizes a large serving. 'Disfrutaron' is in the preterite tense.
En tiempos de escasez, cada familia recibía una ración limitada de víveres, lo que exigía una administración muy estricta.
In times of scarcity, each family received a limited ration of provisions, which demanded very strict management.
'Ración limitada' highlights a restricted amount. 'Recibía' is in the imperfect tense.
El chef preparó una ración individual de postre para cada comensal, asegurando una presentación impecable.
The chef prepared an individual portion of dessert for each diner, ensuring an impeccable presentation.
'Ración individual' specifies a single serving. 'Preparó' is in the preterite tense.
Los soldados, exhaustos tras una larga marcha, esperaban ansiosamente su ración caliente de comida.
The soldiers, exhausted after a long march, eagerly awaited their hot meal ration.
'Ración caliente' refers to a hot serving. 'Esperaban' is in the imperfect tense.
Para optimizar el rendimiento, el nutricionista recomendó una ración controlada de carbohidratos en la dieta del deportista.
To optimize performance, the nutritionist recommended a controlled portion of carbohydrates in the athlete's diet.
'Ración controlada' implies a carefully measured amount. 'Recomendó' is in the preterite tense.
La ración de pienso para el ganado se ajustaba según la edad y el peso de cada animal, garantizando una alimentación adecuada.
The feed ration for the livestock was adjusted according to the age and weight of each animal, guaranteeing adequate nutrition.
'Ración de pienso' refers to animal feed. 'Se ajustaba' is a passive construction in the imperfect tense.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
Pedimos una ración de patatas bravas.
We ordered a portion of patatas bravas. (patatas bravas = spicy potatoes)
La ración de churros es muy grande.
The portion of churros is very big. (churros = fried dough pastry)
Con esta ración, tenemos suficiente.
With this portion, we have enough.
Dividimos la ración entre los dos.
We divided the portion between the two of us.
Solo quiero una ración pequeña.
I just want a small portion.
La ración de pulpo estaba deliciosa.
The octopus portion was delicious. (pulpo = octopus)
Esta ración es perfecta para compartir.
This portion is perfect for sharing.
Dame otra ración de pan, por favor.
Give me another portion of bread, please.
La ración de tarta es enorme.
The cake portion is enormous. (tarta = cake)
Necesitamos una ración más grande.
We need a bigger portion.
사용법
A ración is a portion, a helping, or a serving of food. Think of it as how much food one person would get. For example, «una ración de patatas bravas» means "a serving of patatas bravas." It's common in restaurants, especially for tapas, where you might order a full ración to share, or a media ración (half portion).
Don't confuse ración with porción. While both can mean 'portion,' ración specifically implies a standard, usually individual, serving size of food. Porción is more general and can refer to any part of a whole, like «una porción de pastel» (a slice of cake) or «una porción de la población» (a portion of the population). Stick to ración when talking about food servings.
팁
Think of 'ration'
The word 'ración' is a cognate with the English word 'ration'. This can help you remember its meaning: a measured amount of something, especially food.
Common use with food
You'll most often hear 'ración' when talking about food portions. For example, 'una ración de patatas' means 'a portion of fries'.
Not just food
While common with food, 'ración' can also refer to a portion or allowance of other things, like 'una ración de combustible' (a fuel ration).
Plural form 'raciones'
The plural is 'raciones'. So, if you want several portions, you'd ask for 'varias raciones'.
Context in restaurants
In Spanish restaurants, a 'ración' often refers to a larger sharing plate, as opposed to a 'tapa' which is a smaller appetizer. Make sure you understand the difference when ordering!
Connect to 'repartir'
The word 'ración' comes from the same root as 'repartir' (to distribute or apportion). This can reinforce the idea of a divided amount.
Practice with examples
Try creating your own sentences: 'Quiero una ración de paella.' (I want a portion of paella.) '¿Es suficiente esta ración para dos?' (Is this portion enough for two?)
Listen for 'media ración'
In some places, you might hear 'media ración' which means 'half portion'. This is useful if you don't want a full serving.
Tapas vs. Raciones
In Spain, understanding the difference between a 'tapa' (small snack or appetizer) and a 'ración' (a full-sized dish, often for sharing) is crucial for ordering food correctly and avoiding surprises with your bill.
Use with verbs like 'servir'
You can use 'ración' with verbs like 'servir' (to serve). For example, 'Le sirvieron una ración generosa.' (They served him a generous portion.)
어원
Latin
원래 의미: a share, an allowance, a ration
Indo-European문화적 맥락
When visiting Spain, you'll often encounter the word 'ración' on menus, particularly in tapas bars. A 'ración' is a larger serving than a 'tapa' or 'media ración' (half portion), designed to be shared among a small group, making it a social way to enjoy a meal. It's a fundamental part of Spanish dining culture, emphasizing communal eating and sharing.
셀프 테스트 48 질문
Yo quiero una pequeña ___ de fruta.
In this context, 'ración' refers to a serving or portion of food for one person.
El restaurante sirve una ___ generosa de paella.
Here, 'ración' indicates a good-sized helping or serving of the dish.
Para el almuerzo, comí una ___ de ensalada.
'Ración' is used here to mean a single serving of salad.
Necesito una ___ de agua después de correr.
A 'ración de agua' means a serving or amount of water, in this case, a drink.
Cada persona recibió una ___ individual de postre.
An 'individual ración' refers to a single serving of dessert for one person.
La receta dice que cada ___ es de 200 gramos.
In cooking, 'ración' often refers to a specific measured amount for one serving.
Choose the best translation for 'ración'.
In this context, 'ración' most closely translates to 'portion' or 'serving' of food or drink.
Which word means 'a measured amount of food or drink for one person'?
'Ración' specifically refers to a single serving size of food or drink.
If you are very hungry, you might want a big ____.
A 'ración' is a portion of food, so a big 'ración' would be a large portion.
A 'ración' is usually a large amount of food for many people.
No, a 'ración' refers to a measured amount of food or drink specifically for one person.
You can have a 'ración' of water.
Yes, 'ración' can refer to a portion of drink as well as food.
If you share your food, you are sharing your 'ración'.
Yes, if you share your food, you are sharing the portion that was designated for you.
Imagine you are at a restaurant. Your friend is very hungry and wants a big portion of food. Write a sentence in Spanish telling the waiter your friend wants a large 'ración'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Mi amigo quiere una ración grande, por favor.
You are preparing a meal. You want to make sure everyone gets a fair share. Write a Spanish sentence saying you will divide the food into equal 'raciones'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Voy a dividir la comida en raciones iguales.
You are explaining to someone that a small 'ración' of dessert is sometimes enough. Write a Spanish sentence stating this.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Una ración pequeña de postre es suficiente.
¿Qué sirve el restaurante?
Read this passage:
El restaurante sirve una ración de paella muy rica. Es una ración generosa, perfecta para una persona con hambre. Muchas personas piden la ración de paella para el almuerzo.
¿Qué sirve el restaurante?
The passage clearly states 'El restaurante sirve una ración de paella'.
The passage clearly states 'El restaurante sirve una ración de paella'.
¿Cómo es la ración de patatas fritas?
Read this passage:
En la cafetería, puedes pedir una ración de patatas fritas. La ración es pequeña, pero es un buen acompañamiento. Cuesta dos euros.
¿Cómo es la ración de patatas fritas?
The passage says 'La ración es pequeña'.
The passage says 'La ración es pequeña'.
¿Qué le da la abuela al narrador?
Read this passage:
Mi abuela siempre me da una ración extra de pastel. Ella sabe que me encanta el pastel. Su ración extra es mi parte favorita de la comida.
¿Qué le da la abuela al narrador?
The passage states 'Mi abuela siempre me da una ración extra de pastel'.
The passage states 'Mi abuela siempre me da una ración extra de pastel'.
This means 'a small portion of fruit.' 'Ración' (portion) is feminine, so it uses 'una' (a/an) and 'pequeña' (small). 'De' means 'of'.
This translates to 'I need a double portion of potatoes.' 'Necesito' means 'I need'.
This means 'The portion of bread is sufficient.' 'La' is 'the' (feminine singular), 'es' means 'is', and 'suficiente' means 'sufficient'.
The chef prepared a double portion of paella for the couple.
For the diet, each portion of rice should be small.
The recommended portion of vegetables is three a day.
Read this aloud:
Necesito una ración extra de patatas fritas, por favor.
Focus: ra-ción ex-tra de pa-ta-tas fri-tas
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
¿Cuál es la ración normal de postre en este restaurante?
Focus: cuál es la ra-ción nor-mal de pos-tre
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Dividimos la tarta en ocho raciones iguales.
Focus: di-vi-di-mos la tar-ta en o-cho ra-cio-nes i-gua-les
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 'El chef preparó una ____ generosa para cada invitado.'
'Ración' fits best here as it refers to a measured amount of food specifically for one person, implying a standard serving. While 'porción' can be similar, 'ración' often implies a more deliberate, individual serving.
Which word best completes the following sentence: 'Cada soldado recibió una ____ diaria de provisiones.'
In a military context, 'ración' is the standard term for a daily allowance of food or provisions for an individual.
Select the best option: 'Compré una ____ doble de papas fritas porque tenía mucha hambre.'
'Ración' is the correct singular noun for a single serving. 'Racionamiento' is the act of rationing, and 'razón' means reason.
The word 'ración' can refer to a standard serving size of food.
Yes, 'ración' is commonly used to mean a standard or measured serving of food for one person.
It would be incorrect to use 'ración' to describe a portion of medicine.
No, 'ración' can also be used to refer to a dose or portion of medicine, as it implies a measured amount.
If you are sharing a large pizza with friends, you would typically refer to your share as a 'ración'.
While you get a portion, 'ración' typically implies a pre-determined, individual serving, often in a more formal or controlled context. 'Una porción' or 'un trozo' would be more common for a slice of pizza.
Choose the best synonym for 'ración' in the context of food distribution during an emergency.
'Porción' is the closest synonym to 'ración' when referring to a part or a share of something, especially food, often implying a limited or measured amount. 'Abundancia' means abundance, 'suministro' means supply, and 'comida' means food in general.
Which of these situations most appropriately uses the word 'ración'?
'Ración' is specifically used for a measured amount of food or drink for one person. The other options use 'ración' incorrectly, as it doesn't apply to books, time, or abstract concepts like success.
In a military context, what would 'ración de combate' typically refer to?
'Ración de combate' (combat ration) directly refers to the food provision for a soldier during a mission, aligning with the core meaning of 'ración' as a measured amount of food.
If you are very hungry, asking for 'una ración extra' means you want more food than the standard serving.
Precisely. 'Una ración extra' implies an additional, measured portion of food beyond the usual, which you would want if you're very hungry.
A 'ración de esperanza' is a common and grammatically correct Spanish expression to talk about a small amount of hope.
While 'ración' means a measured amount, it's almost exclusively used for food or drink. Applying it to abstract concepts like 'esperanza' (hope) is not natural or common in Spanish. You would typically use 'un poco de esperanza' or 'una pizca de esperanza'.
In Spain, it is common to order 'una ración de patatas bravas' at a bar, referring to a plate of this dish to share.
Yes, this is a very common usage in Spanish bars and restaurants. 'Una ración' often refers to a serving of a dish that can be shared among several people, especially for tapas-style items like 'patatas bravas'.
The portion of paella they served was quite generous for one person.
The chef adjusted the portion of ingredients to improve the dish's flavor.
To maintain a balanced diet, it is crucial to control the size of each portion.
Read this aloud:
Practica diciendo: '¿Podría pedir una ración extra de patatas, por favor?'
Focus: ración
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Imagina que estás en un restaurante. ¿Cómo pedirías una ración más pequeña de postre?
Focus: ración
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Describe una situación donde sería importante hablar de 'raciones' de comida.
Focus: raciones
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
When you hear 'ración' in Spanish, it's talking about a single serving or portion of food or drink.
- Ración means a serving or portion of food/drink.
- It's about the amount for one person.
- Think 'individual serving size'.
Think of 'ration'
The word 'ración' is a cognate with the English word 'ration'. This can help you remember its meaning: a measured amount of something, especially food.
Common use with food
You'll most often hear 'ración' when talking about food portions. For example, 'una ración de patatas' means 'a portion of fries'.
Not just food
While common with food, 'ración' can also refer to a portion or allowance of other things, like 'una ración de combustible' (a fuel ration).
Plural form 'raciones'
The plural is 'raciones'. So, if you want several portions, you'd ask for 'varias raciones'.
관련 콘텐츠
관련 표현
cooking 관련 단어
a la plancha
B1Cooked on the griddle or grilled.
a mano
A2Performed or made by hand, not by machine.
ablandar
A2To make something soft or tender.
abundante
A2Present in large quantities; plentiful.
en aceite
B1Cooked in oil.
adobar
A2To marinate or season meat or fish.
adobo
B1Marinade, a seasoned liquid used to flavor and tenderize food.
agitar
A2To stir or shake something briskly.
ahumar
A2To cure or flavor food by exposing it to smoke.
al horno
B1Baked or roasted in the oven.
