Meaning
Describes food as extremely delicious and enjoyable.
Cultural Background
In Spain, this phrase is often accompanied by a gesture: kissing the tips of the fingers and then opening the hand. It is very common in tapas culture. Mexicans are very proud of their complex sauces (moles). This phrase is the ultimate respect you can show to a 'cocinera tradicional'. While 'está para chuparse los dedos' is understood, Argentines might more frequently use 'está mortal' or 'es un espectáculo' for the same level of praise. The phrase is a staple in food advertising across the continent, from local bakeries to international chains like KFC.
Use it for the cook
This is the best way to make a Spanish-speaking host smile. It shows you really appreciate the effort.
Don't use 'ser'
Saying 'Es para chuparse los dedos' sounds like a dictionary definition rather than a real reaction.
Meaning
Describes food as extremely delicious and enjoyable.
Use it for the cook
This is the best way to make a Spanish-speaking host smile. It shows you really appreciate the effort.
Don't use 'ser'
Saying 'Es para chuparse los dedos' sounds like a dictionary definition rather than a real reaction.
The 'Pa' shortcut
In very casual speech, say 'Está pa' chuparse los dedos' to sound like a local.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'estar'.
Las empanadas que hizo María ___ para chuparse los dedos.
We use 'están' because 'las empanadas' is plural and we use 'estar' for food taste.
Which of these is the most natural way to compliment a casual meal?
You just finished a great taco. What do you say?
It uses 'estar', the reflexive 'se', and the definite article 'los'.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate context.
Phrase: '¡Está para chuparse los dedos!'
This is an informal, warm compliment perfect for social dining.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Te gusta la lasaña? B: ¿Que si me gusta? ¡___!
Both 'está para chuparse los dedos' and 'está de rechupete' are valid informal compliments for food.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLas empanadas que hizo María ___ para chuparse los dedos.
We use 'están' because 'las empanadas' is plural and we use 'estar' for food taste.
You just finished a great taco. What do you say?
It uses 'estar', the reflexive 'se', and the definite article 'los'.
Phrase: '¡Está para chuparse los dedos!'
This is an informal, warm compliment perfect for social dining.
A: ¿Te gusta la lasaña? B: ¿Que si me gusta? ¡___!
Both 'está para chuparse los dedos' and 'está de rechupete' are valid informal compliments for food.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually no. For drinks, we say 'está riquísimo' or 'está muy bueno'. Finger-licking is specifically for food textures.
Not at all! It's a high compliment. Just don't say it in a 3-star Michelin restaurant to the head waiter; there, use 'exquisito'.
'Está rico' is 'it's tasty'. 'Está para chuparse los dedos' is 'it's so good I want to lick the plate'. It's much stronger.
Yes! 'Estuvo para chuparse los dedos' or 'Estaba para chuparse los dedos' are both common.
Yes, it is universally understood and used from Spain to Argentina.
Technically yes, but the idiom is fixed as 'chuparse' (the impersonal/general reflexive). Stick to 'chuparse'.
You can just say '¡De rechupete!' in Spain.
Only in very slangy, flirtatious contexts, but it can be seen as vulgar. Be careful!
No. You can say it for a soup or a steak, even if you eat them with a spoon or fork.
It's equally common in both, though Spain has the 'rechupete' variation more frequently.
Related Phrases
De rechupete
synonymExtremely good (usually food).
Estar de muerte
similarTo be 'to die for'.
Hacerse la boca agua
similarTo make one's mouth water.
Ponerse las botas
builds onTo eat a lot / to fill oneself up.
