This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 verb #6,500 most common 12 min read

degustar

Top 6,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips degustar in 30 Seconds

Explanation degustar in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'degustar' might seem a bit advanced, as beginners usually focus on basic verbs like 'comer' (to eat) and 'beber' (to drink). However, it is a very useful word to know if you are visiting a Spanish-speaking country and want to understand signs or menus. At this stage, you should understand that 'degustar' is a special way of eating. It is not about being hungry; it is about the flavor. Imagine you are at a market and someone offers you a small piece of cheese. They might say, '¿Quiere degustar?'. Even if you don't know the grammar yet, you can recognize that they are inviting you to try and enjoy the food. For an A1 learner, think of 'degustar' as 'to taste for fun'. You can use it in very simple sentences like 'Quiero degustar el chocolate' (I want to taste the chocolate). It is a regular '-ar' verb, so it follows the same pattern as 'hablar' or 'estudiar'. Learning this word early helps you appreciate the culinary culture of Spain and Latin America, where taking time to enjoy food is very important. You don't need to use it every day, but knowing it will make you feel more confident when you are in a restaurant or at a food festival. It is a 'bonus' word that makes your Spanish sound a bit more sophisticated than just using 'comer' all the time. Focus on the infinitive form for now.

At the A2 level, you are starting to describe your experiences and preferences in more detail. 'Degustar' becomes a valuable tool for talking about your travels and restaurant visits. You can now use it in the past tense to say things like 'Degustamos una paella deliciosa' (We tasted a delicious paella). At this level, you should also be able to distinguish between 'probar' and 'degustar'. Remember that 'probar' is for trying something new or checking if you like it, while 'degustar' is for when you already know it is good and you want to savor it. You might encounter this word in reading passages about traditional festivals or regional foods. It is also common in the phrase 'menú degustación', which you might see on a restaurant menu. This is a great level to start practicing the conjugation in the present tense (yo degusto, tú degustas, él degusta). You can also use it with adverbs like 'despacio' (slowly) to show that you are taking your time. For example, 'Me gusta degustar el café despacio por la mañana'. This shows a higher level of expression than just saying 'Bebo café'. It shows you are describing an action with a specific intention. You are not just drinking; you are enjoying. Using 'degustar' correctly at the A2 level demonstrates that you are moving beyond basic survival Spanish and starting to engage with the culture on a deeper level. It is a word that connects you to the 'slow food' movement and the Mediterranean lifestyle.

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more complex social situations and express your opinions and feelings. 'Degustar' is perfect for this. You can use it to talk about culinary traditions, explain why you like a certain type of food, or describe a gourmet experience in detail. You might use the subjunctive mood with this verb, such as 'Espero que podamos degustar los vinos de esta región' (I hope we can taste the wines of this region). At this stage, you should also be aware of the noun form 'la degustación' (the tasting). You might participate in a 'degustación de quesos' or a 'degustación de aceites'. You can also start using 'degustar' in more formal writing, such as a blog post about your travels or a review of a restaurant. It helps you avoid repeating the word 'comer' and adds variety to your vocabulary. You should also understand the nuance that 'degustar' implies a certain level of expertise or at least a focused attention. It is a verb of perception. When you 'degustar' something, you are analyzing it with your senses. This fits well with B1 topics like 'hobbies and interests' or 'travel and culture'. You can use it to compare different foods: 'Aunque ambos son buenos, prefiero degustar el chocolate amargo porque tiene más matices'. Here, you are using 'degustar' to justify a preference based on quality and complexity. It shows you have the vocabulary to talk about sophisticated topics.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the stylistic differences between 'degustar', 'saborear', and 'catar'. You are likely to encounter 'degustar' in more advanced texts, such as culinary magazines, professional reviews, or literature. You should be able to use it fluently in all tenses, including the conditional and the various past tenses. For example, 'Si tuviera más tiempo, me encantaría degustar cada plato de este menú' (If I had more time, I would love to taste every dish on this menu). At this level, you can also use 'degustar' in a more metaphorical or abstract way, though this is still somewhat rare. You might talk about 'degustar un buen libro' (savoring a good book), implying that you are reading it slowly and with great appreciation. Your ability to use 'degustar' in the correct register is crucial here. You know that it belongs in a context of appreciation and quality. You might also use it in the passive voice or with the 'se' impersonal to describe cultural customs: 'En el sur de España, se degusta el gazpacho muy frío durante el verano'. This shows you can talk about general facts and cultural norms using sophisticated verbs. You are also able to understand the technical nuances in a 'cata de vinos', where 'degustar' is the general act of the participants while the 'catador' (taster) performs a more analytical role. Your vocabulary is now rich enough to describe the sensory experience of 'degustar' using adjectives like 'afrutado' (fruity), 'ahumado' (smoky), or 'aterciopelado' (velvety).

At the C1 level, your use of 'degustar' should be precise and nuanced. You understand that this verb carries a connotation of 'gourmet' or 'high-end' experience. You can use it to discuss the sociology of food, the history of gastronomy, or the aesthetics of taste. You might use it in complex sentence structures, such as 'La capacidad de degustar los matices más sutiles de un ingrediente es lo que separa a un aficionado de un verdadero gourmet'. At this level, you are also sensitive to the poetic potential of the word. You might find it in contemporary Spanish literature used to describe the slow passage of time or the appreciation of life's small pleasures. You are capable of using 'degustar' to create a specific atmosphere in your writing or speaking. For example, in a formal presentation about tourism, you might say: 'Nuestra propuesta no es solo visitar monumentos, sino degustar la esencia de nuestra cultura a través de sus sabores más ancestrales'. Here, 'degustar' is used metaphorically to mean 'to experience deeply'. You also understand the historical roots of the word and its connection to the Latin 'degustare'. You can participate in high-level debates about culinary trends, such as the rise of tasting menus, and use the word 'degustar' to argue for the importance of sensory education. Your command of the word is total, and you can switch between its literal and figurative meanings with ease, always choosing the right register for the situation.

At the C2 level, 'degustar' is a word you use with effortless precision. You are aware of its every nuance, its historical development, and its place in the vast landscape of the Spanish language. You can use it in highly specialized contexts, such as academic papers on sensory science or sophisticated literary critiques. You might explore the word's relationship with other sensory verbs in a philosophical way, discussing how 'degustar' represents a form of mindfulness in a fast-paced world. Your use of the word is not just about food; it is about a philosophy of appreciation. You might use it in a speech to describe the importance of 'degustar cada momento de nuestra existencia'. In your writing, you can use 'degustar' to evoke a specific sensory richness, perhaps in a descriptive passage where the character 'degusta' the salty air of the ocean or the bittersweet memories of the past. You are also familiar with the most obscure idioms or literary uses of the word. You can discuss the evolution of 'degustación' from a simple act of tasting to a complex social ritual in modern society. At this level, you don't just know the word; you possess it. You can play with its meaning, use it ironically, or use it to add a touch of elegance to even the most mundane description. Your mastery of 'degustar' reflects your deep immersion in the Spanish language and your ability to express the most subtle shades of meaning and emotion.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

degustar in 30 Seconds

A sophisticated verb for savoring high-quality food or drink.
Used in formal culinary contexts, wine tastings, and tourism.
Different from 'probar' (to try) and 'gustar' (to like).
Reflects the cultural value of slow, appreciative eating in Spanish-speaking countries.

The Spanish verb degustar is a sophisticated and sensory-focused term that translates most accurately to 'to savor' or 'to taste with appreciation' in English. While the common verb comer refers to the simple act of eating for sustenance, degustar elevates the experience to an aesthetic and conscious activity. It implies that the person is not merely consuming food or drink but is actively engaging their senses to identify nuances, textures, aromas, and the complex balance of flavors. This word is deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Spanish-speaking countries, where food is often viewed as a form of art and a medium for social connection. When you use degustar, you are signaling that the quality of the item is high and that the taster is taking their time. It is the difference between drinking a glass of water because you are thirsty and slowly sipping a vintage Rioja to identify the notes of oak and dark berries.

Intentionality: The subject is consciously focusing on the flavor profile of the substance being consumed.
Quality Over Quantity: The word is almost exclusively used with high-quality food, wine, or artisanal products.
Cultural Significance: It reflects the Mediterranean lifestyle of slow eating and appreciation for gastronomic heritage.

Los invitados tuvieron la oportunidad de degustar una selección de quesos artesanales antes de la cena principal.

This verb is frequently found in travel brochures, restaurant reviews, and menus where the goal is to entice the reader with a promise of a high-end experience. It is also used in official wine tastings, known as catas, though degustar is the general action performed by the participants. It is important to note that you would never use degustar for a quick snack or a fast-food meal unless you were being sarcastic. The word carries a certain weight of elegance and formality. In a social setting, using this word shows that you have a refined vocabulary and an appreciation for the effort that went into the preparation of the meal. It is also common in the phrase menú degustación, which refers to a tasting menu where a chef presents a series of small, curated dishes.

Es un placer degustar este café recién tostado en las montañas de Colombia.

Al degustar el chocolate, cierra los ojos para sentir mejor su textura sedosa.

El crítico gastronómico se tomó su tiempo para degustar cada ingrediente del plato estrella.

¿Te gustaría degustar nuestra nueva cosecha de aceite de oliva virgen extra?

Gastronomy: The primary domain where this word is used to describe professional or amateur food tasting.
Tourism: Used in travel marketing to invite visitors to experience local flavors in a meaningful way.

Using degustar correctly requires understanding its role as a transitive verb, meaning it always takes a direct object—the thing being tasted. It follows the regular conjugation patterns for '-ar' verbs, making it relatively easy for learners to master once they understand the context. It is most frequently used in the infinitive form following other verbs like querer, poder, preferir, or in constructions like ir a + degustar. For example, 'Vamos a degustar un vino' (We are going to taste a wine). Because it implies a slow process, it is often paired with adverbs like lentamente (slowly) or con calma (with calm). In more formal writing, you might see it in the passive voice or with the impersonal 'se', such as 'Se pueden degustar platos típicos en el mercado' (Typical dishes can be tasted in the market). When speaking about the act of tasting a variety of things, the plural form of the object is used.

Grammatical Structure: Subject + Verb (degustar) + Direct Object (Food/Drink).
Common Tenses: Present: Yo degusto; Preterite: Yo degusté; Future: Yo degustaré.

Ayer degustamos un postre increíble en aquel restaurante francés.

One of the most common mistakes is using degustar when you mean probar. While probar simply means to try something (like trying a piece of bread to see if it is salty), degustar is reserved for the intentional enjoyment. If you are at a friend's house and they offer you a bite of their sandwich, you would say '¿Puedo probar?' rather than '¿Puedo degustar?'. The latter would sound overly formal or even pretentious in such a casual setting. However, if that same friend has spent hours making a traditional mole sauce, saying 'Quiero degustar tu creación' would be a high compliment. It acknowledges the complexity of the dish.

Si vienes a mi casa, podrás degustar el mejor gazpacho de la ciudad.

El sumiller nos enseñó cómo degustar el vino tinto adecuadamente.

Mañana degustaremos los manjares de la costa mediterránea.

Me encanta degustar nuevos sabores cuando viajo al extranjero.

Transitive Nature: Always remember to specify what is being tasted. 'Degustar' without an object is incomplete.
Refined Register: It is safer to use 'probar' in casual conversations and 'degustar' in formal or appreciative contexts.

In the real world, you will encounter degustar in several specific environments. The most prominent is the world of high-end gastronomy. If you watch Spanish cooking shows like 'MasterChef España' or documentaries about famous chefs like Ferran Adrià, you will hear the judges and critics using this word constantly. They don't just 'eat' the contestants' dishes; they 'degustan' them to provide a critique of the technical execution and flavor profile. Another very common place is at a bodega (winery). During a wine tour, the guide will invite you to degustar the different varieties of grapes. Tourism is also a major field for this word. Promotional videos for regions like Galicia, known for its seafood, or Andalusia, known for its olive oil and sherry, will frequently use the phrase 'Venga a degustar nuestra tierra' (Come to taste our land), using the food as a metaphor for the cultural experience.

Media and Television: Culinary competitions and travel shows use it to add a professional tone to the commentary.
Fine Dining: Waiters in upscale restaurants will use it when presenting a special dish or the tasting menu.
Literature and Journalism: Food critics and travel writers use it to evoke a sense of luxury and sensory richness.

El narrador del documental nos invitó a degustar visualmente los colores del mercado.

Beyond the literal sense of food and drink, you might occasionally hear degustar used metaphorically. For instance, an author might talk about 'degustar el silencio' (savoring the silence) or 'degustar un momento de paz' (savoring a moment of peace). This usage emphasizes the same slow, appreciative quality applied to an abstract experience. However, this is more common in poetic or highly literary Spanish. In everyday conversation, if you are at a local festival (una feria), you might see signs that say 'Degustación gratuita' (Free tasting). This is a very common way to see the noun form of the verb. It implies that you can have a small sample of a product to appreciate its quality before buying.

En la feria del libro, también pudimos degustar algunos dulces típicos de la región.

El sumiller dijo: 'Es hora de degustar el alma de esta uva'.

Los turistas se detuvieron para degustar el jamón ibérico recién cortado.

No hay nada como degustar una buena paella frente al mar.

Advertising: Companies selling gourmet products like chocolate or coffee use 'degustar' to imply their product is a luxury.
Event Planning: Wedding planners use it when discussing the 'prueba de menú' (menu tasting) with the couple.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is overusing degustar in casual situations. Because it sounds similar to 'degustation' or seems like a 'fancy' version of 'to taste', learners might use it where a native speaker would simply say probar or comer. For example, saying 'Voy a degustar mi almuerzo' while sitting at a desk eating a quick salad sounds strange and out of place. It suggests you are performing a professional analysis of your lettuce. Another mistake is confusing it with gustar (to like). While they share the same Latin root 'gustus' (taste), their grammatical functions and meanings are very different. Gustar is used to express that something is pleasing to you ('Me gusta la pizza'), whereas degustar is the physical action of tasting it with focus.

Register Mismatch: Using 'degustar' for snacks, fast food, or daily meals. Keep it for special occasions or high-quality items.
Confusion with 'Gustar': Remember: 'Me gusta' = I like it; 'Degusto' = I am tasting/savoring it.
Preposition Errors: Learners sometimes try to add 'de' after degustar (e.g., 'degustar de vino'). This is incorrect; it is a direct transitive verb: 'degustar vino'.

Incorrect: Me gusta degustar de la comida española.
Correct: Me gusta degustar la comida española.

Another nuance involves the difference between degustar and catar. While they are often used as synonyms, catar is more technical and professional. A wine expert 'cata' a wine to judge its properties, whereas a guest 'degusta' the wine to enjoy it. If you use catar in a social setting, it might sound like you are putting on a professional performance. Stick to degustar for general enjoyment. Finally, ensure you don't confuse the spelling with disgustar, which means 'to upset' or 'to annoy'. Changing that one vowel from 'e' to 'i' completely changes the meaning from a pleasurable experience to a negative one.

No quiero disgustar a nadie (I don't want to upset anyone) vs. Quiero degustar el postre (I want to savor the dessert).

Es incorrecto decir 'degustar con el vino'. Se dice degustar el vino.

Evita usar degustar para comer una hamburguesa rápida en la calle.

Recuerda que degustar requiere tiempo y atención plena.

Vowel Precision: The 'e' in 'de-' is like the 'e' in 'met'. The 'u' is like the 'oo' in 'food'.
False Friend Caution: 'Disgustar' is a major false friend. It never means 'to disgust' in the sense of 'to be grossed out by', but rather 'to annoy'.

While degustar is a fantastic word for savoring, Spanish offers a rich variety of alternatives depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Understanding these differences will make your Spanish sound much more natural and precise. The most common alternative is saborear. This word is very close to degustar but is slightly less formal and focuses more on the actual taste on the tongue ('sabor'). You can 'saborear' a piece of candy or a home-cooked meal. It is also more commonly used in metaphorical senses, like 'saborear el éxito' (savoring success). Another important word is catar. As mentioned before, catar is the technical term for tasting to judge quality, used mainly for wine, oil, or coffee. If you are 'catando', you are looking for defects and specific characteristics.

Degustar vs. Saborear: 'Degustar' is more formal and analytical; 'Saborear' is more emotional and focus on the pleasure of the flavor.
Degustar vs. Catar: 'Degustar' is for the consumer/guest; 'Catar' is for the expert/judge.
Degustar vs. Probar: 'Degustar' is about deep appreciation; 'Probar' is simply about trying something for the first time or checking its state.

Prefiero saborear cada bocado de este chocolate negro.

Then there is paladear. This is a very specific verb that refers to keeping the food or drink in your mouth and moving it against your palate (el paladar) to fully experience the texture and taste. It is even more focused on the physical sensation than degustar. In more casual settings, you might hear picar, which means to nibble or have small bites of different things (like tapas). While picar is informal, it shares the idea of having small portions, which is also a feature of a degustación. Finally, apreciar (to appreciate) can be used when you want to focus on the quality and craftsmanship of the food without necessarily focusing on the physical act of tasting.

No tragues el vino de inmediato; es mejor paladearlo un poco.

Vamos a picar algo antes de ir al cine.

El experto se dedicó a catar los aceites para el concurso nacional.

Es importante apreciar el trabajo del chef en cada detalle.

Physicality: 'Paladear' is the most physically descriptive word for the movement of food in the mouth.
Social Context: 'Picar' is the best word for a casual night out with friends eating small snacks.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Le invitamos cordialmente a degustar nuestra selección de reservas."

Neutral

"Vamos a degustar el postre ahora."

Informal

"¡Tienes que degustar esto, está de muerte!"

Child friendly

"Cierra los ojos y degusta el caramelo."

Slang

"No slang exists for this formal word, but one might say 'pégate una degustada' in very informal settings."

Fun Fact

The root 'gust' is also found in the English word 'disgust', which literally means 'distaste' or 'bad taste'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /de.ɣusˈtaɾ/

US /de.ɡusˈtɑr/

The stress is on the last syllable: 'tar'.

Rhymes With

cantar amar llegar estar hablar mirar pensar tomar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'u' as a 'yoo' sound like in 'use'. It should be a pure 'oo' like in 'food'.
Rolling the final 'r' too much. It is a single tap, not a trill.
Confusing the 'e' sound with an 'i' sound, making it sound like 'digustar'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Common in menus and travel guides, easy to recognize.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowing when to use it instead of 'probar'.

Speaking 3/5

Needs correct pronunciation of the 'u' and 'r'.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

comer beber el gusto probar el sabor

Learn Next

catar saborear paladear el maridaje la bodega

Advanced

organoléptico el sumiller la enología gastronómico

Grammar to Know

Verbs of perception often take a direct object without a preposition.

Degusto el vino (Not 'degusto del vino').

The infinitive can function as a noun.

Degustar es un placer.

Use of 'se' for impersonal statements.

Aquí se degusta bien.

Regular -ar verb conjugation.

Yo degusto, tú degustas...

Combining with 'ir a' for future plans.

Voy a degustar.

Examples by Level

Quiero degustar el pastel de chocolate.

I want to taste the chocolate cake.

Uses 'querer + infinitive' construction.

¿Puedo degustar este queso?

Can I taste this cheese?

A polite question using 'poder'.

Vamos a degustar un helado.

We are going to taste an ice cream.

Uses 'ir a + infinitive' for future intent.

Me gusta degustar la fruta fresca.

I like to savor fresh fruit.

Uses 'me gusta' followed by an infinitive.

Ellos degustan el jugo de naranja.

They taste the orange juice.

Present tense, third person plural.

Tú degustas el pan caliente.

You taste the warm bread.

Present tense, second person singular.

Ella degusta un dulce típico.

She tastes a typical sweet.

Present tense, third person singular.

Nosotros degustamos la sopa.

We taste the soup.

Present tense, first person plural.

Ayer degustamos un vino tinto muy bueno.

Yesterday we tasted a very good red wine.

Preterite tense for a completed action in the past.

El chef nos invitó a degustar su plato estrella.

The chef invited us to taste his star dish.

Use of the direct object pronoun 'nos'.

¿Has degustado alguna vez el jamón ibérico?

Have you ever tasted Iberian ham?

Present perfect tense for life experiences.

En el mercado puedes degustar muchos productos locales.

In the market you can taste many local products.

Impersonal use of 'puedes'.

Mañana vamos a degustar la comida de la abuela.

Tomorrow we are going to taste grandmother's food.

Periphrastic future.

Degusté un café delicioso en la plaza.

I tasted a delicious coffee in the square.

Preterite tense, first person singular.

A mis amigos les encanta degustar tapas nuevas.

My friends love to taste new tapas.

Uses 'encantar' with a plural subject (amigos).

Siempre degusto el postre con calma.

I always savor the dessert calmly.

Present tense with an adverbial phrase.

Espero que podamos degustar los platos típicos de la región.

I hope we can taste the typical dishes of the region.

Present subjunctive after 'esperar que'.

Si vas a esa bodega, te dejarán degustar varios tipos de uva.

If you go to that winery, they will let you taste several types of grapes.

First conditional sentence.

Me gustaría degustar ese menú que recomiendan en la guía.

I would like to taste that menu they recommend in the guide.

Conditional mood for polite desires.

No es solo comer, es aprender a degustar los ingredientes.

It's not just eating, it's learning to savor the ingredients.

Gerund-like use of the infinitive as a noun.

Habíamos degustado el postre antes de que llegara el café.

We had tasted the dessert before the coffee arrived.

Past perfect (pluperfect) tense.

Para degustar bien un aceite, hay que olerlo primero.

To taste an oil well, one must smell it first.

Infinitive of purpose and impersonal 'hay que'.

Ella siempre degusta la comida como si fuera una experta.

She always tastes the food as if she were an expert.

Use of 'como si' with the imperfect subjunctive.

Degustar la cocina local es la mejor forma de conocer un país.

Savoring the local cuisine is the best way to get to know a country.

Infinitive as the subject of the sentence.

El crítico gastronómico se dedicó a degustar minuciosamente cada bocado.

The food critic dedicated himself to minutely savoring every bite.

Reflexive verb 'dedicarse a' followed by an infinitive.

Aunque no soy un experto, sé degustar la calidad de un buen chocolate.

Although I am not an expert, I know how to savor the quality of a good chocolate.

Concessive clause with 'aunque'.

Se recomienda degustar este vino a una temperatura de dieciocho grados.

It is recommended to taste this wine at a temperature of eighteen degrees.

Passive 'se' construction.

Al degustar el plato, notamos un ligero toque de azafrán.

Upon tasting the dish, we noticed a slight touch of saffron.

'Al + infinitive' to express 'upon doing something'.

Habría sido un placer degustar esas delicias si hubiéramos tenido tiempo.

It would have been a pleasure to taste those delicacies if we had had time.

Third conditional with compound tenses.

Degustar un buen libro en una tarde de lluvia es mi pasatiempo favorito.

Savoring a good book on a rainy afternoon is my favorite hobby.

Metaphorical use of 'degustar'.

Los participantes pudieron degustar la evolución del queso durante la maduración.

The participants were able to taste the evolution of the cheese during the ripening process.

Abstract object 'la evolución'.

No dejes de degustar los mariscos si visitas el norte de España.

Don't miss out on tasting the seafood if you visit Northern Spain.

Negative imperative 'no dejes de'.

La sutileza de los sabores solo se puede apreciar si se degusta con atención plena.

The subtlety of the flavors can only be appreciated if one tastes with mindfulness.

Complex passive construction with 'se'.

Degustar la gastronomía molecular requiere una apertura mental hacia nuevas texturas.

Savoring molecular gastronomy requires a mental openness to new textures.

Subject is a complex infinitive phrase.

A medida que envejecemos, aprendemos a degustar la vida con más parsimonia.

As we age, we learn to savor life with more parsimony/slowness.

Metaphorical use with 'a medida que'.

El sumiller nos instó a degustar el vino para identificar sus notas terciarias.

The sommelier urged us to taste the wine to identify its tertiary notes.

Advanced vocabulary 'instar' and 'notas terciarias'.

Resulta fascinante degustar cómo el clima influye en el sabor de la cosecha.

It is fascinating to taste how the climate influences the flavor of the harvest.

'Resulta + adjective' construction.

No es posible degustar la verdadera esencia de un lugar sin hablar con su gente.

It is not possible to savor the true essence of a place without talking to its people.

Metaphorical use of 'degustar' with 'esencia'.

Habiendo degustado lo mejor de la cocina europea, ahora busco sabores orientales.

Having tasted the best of European cuisine, I am now looking for Eastern flavors.

Perfect participle 'habiendo degustado'.

El autor nos invita a degustar cada palabra de su prosa poética.

The author invites us to savor every word of his poetic prose.

Metaphorical use in literary criticism.

La capacidad de degustar los matices organolépticos es fruto de años de entrenamiento.

The ability to taste organoleptic nuances is the result of years of training.

Technical vocabulary 'organoléptico'.

Degustar el silencio de la montaña tras la tormenta es una experiencia trascendental.

Savoring the silence of the mountain after the storm is a transcendental experience.

Highly metaphorical and poetic usage.

Aquel banquete nos permitió degustar el esplendor de una época ya desaparecida.

That banquet allowed us to savor the splendor of a bygone era.

Abstract object 'el esplendor'.

El gourmet no come para saciarse, sino para degustar la creatividad del artífice.

The gourmet does not eat to satisfy hunger, but to savor the creativity of the creator.

Contrastive 'no... sino...' construction.

Es imperativo degustar el producto en su estado más puro para valorar su origen.

It is imperative to taste the product in its purest state to value its origin.

Use of 'es imperativo' for strong recommendation.

Quien no sabe degustar un fracaso, difícilmente sabrá saborear un triunfo.

He who does not know how to savor a failure will hardly know how to savor a triumph.

Philosophical proverb-like structure.

La obra invita al espectador a degustar la policromía de sus pinceladas.

The work invites the viewer to savor the polychromy of its brushstrokes.

Synesthetic use of 'degustar' for visual art.

Degustar la complejidad de esta sinfonía requiere un oído sumamente educado.

Savoring the complexity of this symphony requires an extremely educated ear.

Synesthetic use of 'degustar' for music.

Common Collocations

degustar un vino

degustar un plato

degustar lentamente

menú degustación

degustar la cocina

degustar productos

degustar sabores

degustar aromas

degustar un postre

degustar la vida

Common Phrases

degustación gratuita

— A free sample of food or drink offered to customers.

Hay una degustación gratuita de quesos en el supermercado.

sala de degustación

— A specific room, usually in a winery, where tasting takes place.

Pasamos a la sala de degustación para probar los tintos.

degustar el éxito

— To enjoy the feeling of having achieved something great.

Después de años de trabajo, por fin puede degustar el éxito.

degustar con los ojos

— To enjoy the visual presentation of a dish before eating it.

El plato era tan bonito que primero lo degustamos con los ojos.

degustar paso a paso

— To taste something following a specific order or procedure.

El guía nos enseñó a degustar el aceite paso a paso.

degustar en familia

— To enjoy a special meal together with family members.

Es una tradición degustar el pavo en familia.

degustar la paz

— To enjoy a moment of tranquility.

Me senté en el jardín para degustar la paz de la mañana.

degustar un bocado

— To savor a single small piece of food.

Solo necesito degustar un bocado para saber que es excelente.

degustar la cultura

— To experience the traditions and customs of a place, often through food.

Viajar permite degustar la cultura de otros países.

degustar el momento

— To live in the present and enjoy what is happening.

Deja el teléfono y degusta el momento.

Often Confused With

degustar vs probar

Probar is for testing or checking; degustar is for enjoying quality.

degustar vs gustar

Gustar means to like (the feeling); degustar means to taste (the action).

degustar vs disgustar

Disgustar means to annoy or upset; degustar means to savor.

Idioms & Expressions

"degustar las mieles del triunfo"

— To experience the rewards and pleasures of victory.

El equipo está degustando las mieles del triunfo tras ganar la copa.

literary

"degustar el amargor"

— To experience a painful or difficult situation.

Le tocó degustar el amargor de la derrota.

literary

"degustar a sorbos"

— To enjoy something very slowly, bit by bit.

Degusta su libertad a sorbos después de salir de la cárcel.

metaphorical

"degustar con la punta de la lengua"

— To try something very tentatively or delicately.

Degustó la salsa con la punta de la lengua para ver si picaba.

descriptive

"degustar un secreto"

— To enjoy knowing something that others do not.

Degustaba el secreto con una sonrisa misteriosa.

metaphorical

"no saber lo que se degusta"

— To be unaware of the quality or value of what one has.

Tiene una fortuna pero no sabe lo que degusta.

colloquial

"degustar el tiempo"

— To enjoy the passage of time without rushing.

En vacaciones, me gusta degustar el tiempo sin mirar el reloj.

poetic

"degustar la soledad"

— To enjoy being alone.

Después de la fiesta, necesitaba degustar la soledad.

introspective

"degustar palabras"

— To speak slowly and carefully, enjoying the sound of the language.

El poeta degusta cada palabra antes de decirla.

literary

"degustar el peligro"

— To enjoy risky or dangerous situations.

A los aventureros les gusta degustar el peligro.

metaphorical

Easily Confused

degustar vs catar

Both involve tasting.

Catar is technical/professional; degustar is for general enjoyment.

El juez cata el vino; el cliente lo degusta.

degustar vs saborear

Very close synonyms.

Saborear is more common and focuses on the taste; degustar is more formal and analytical.

Saboreo el caramelo; degusto el menú.

degustar vs paladear

Both involve tasting.

Paladear is more about the physical movement in the mouth.

Paladea el chocolate para sentir su textura.

degustar vs picar

Both involve small amounts of food.

Picar is informal and about snacking; degustar is about appreciation.

Vamos a picar algo de comer.

degustar vs comer

Both involve consuming food.

Comer is for sustenance; degustar is for pleasure.

Como para vivir; degusto para disfrutar.

Sentence Patterns

Quiero degustar [comida].

Quiero degustar la pizza.

Ayer degustamos [comida/bebida].

Ayer degustamos un café.

Espero que podamos degustar [comida].

Espero que podamos degustar el jamón.

Me gustaría degustar [comida].

Me gustaría degustar el vino.

Al degustar [comida], noté [sabor].

Al degustar la sopa, noté la sal.

Degustar [concepto] requiere [cualidad].

Degustar este arte requiere tiempo.

No hay nada como degustar [comida] en [lugar].

No hay nada como degustar marisco en Galicia.

La esencia de [lugar] se degusta en [plato].

La esencia de México se degusta en su mole.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Medium-High in culinary contexts; Low in daily casual survival Spanish.

Common Mistakes

Using 'degustar' for a quick snack. → Using 'comer' or 'picar'.
'Degustar' implies a slow, appreciative process which doesn't fit a quick snack.
Saying 'Me degusta el chocolate'. → Saying 'Me gusta degustar el chocolate' or 'Degusto el chocolate'.
'Degustar' is not a 'backwards' verb like 'gustar'. It is a standard transitive verb.
Confusing 'degustar' with 'disgustar'. → Degustar (to savor), Disgustar (to annoy).
The vowel change completely alters the meaning from pleasure to annoyance.
Adding the preposition 'de' after the verb. → Degustar el queso.
'Degustar' is a transitive verb and takes its object directly.
Rolling the 'r' at the end like a double 'rr'. → A single tap 'r'.
Final 'r' in Spanish is always a single tap unless you are emphasizing it greatly.

Tips

Elevate your reviews

When writing about a restaurant, use 'degustar' to sound like a true foodie.

No preposition needed

Remember it's 'degustar el vino', never 'degustar del vino'.

Pure vowels

Ensure the 'u' is 'oo' and the 'e' is 'eh'.

The Slow Food connection

Use this word to show you appreciate the slow pace of Spanish meals.

Delicious Gusto

Remember: DElicious + GUSTo = DEGUSTar.

Compliment the host

Saying 'Quiero degustar tu plato' is a great way to compliment someone's cooking.

Look for signs

Keep an eye out for 'Degustación gratuita' signs in Spanish markets.

Wine tours

Listen for this word if you go on a winery tour; it's the guide's favorite verb.

Metaphors

Try using it for abstract things like 'degustar la libertad' in your essays.

Quality matters

Only use it when the food or drink is worth the extra attention.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'DE-GUST-AR'. 'DE' (delicious) + 'GUST' (gusto/pleasure) + 'AR' (verb ending). You degustar something when it is DElicious and gives you GUSTo.

Visual Association

Imagine a person in a fancy restaurant, eyes closed, slowly swirling a glass of wine before taking a tiny, appreciative sip.

Word Web

vino queso chocolate paladar lengua sabor olfato placer

Challenge

Try to use 'degustar' three times today: once for your coffee, once for your lunch, and once metaphorically for a good moment.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'degustare', which is composed of the prefix 'de-' (completely/intensively) and 'gustare' (to taste).

Original meaning: To taste thoroughly or to sample.

Romance (Latin origin).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using it for very cheap or low-quality food as it might sound mocking.

English speakers often use 'taste' for everything. 'Degustar' helps you sound more specific and appreciative, similar to using 'savor' or 'sample' in English.

The 'Menú Degustación' of El Bulli (Ferran Adrià). Wine tasting scenes in Spanish cinema (e.g., 'Entre Copas' style themes). Culinary critiques in major newspapers like El País.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a winery

¿Podemos degustar el blanco?
Me gustaría degustar la reserva.
¿Qué vamos a degustar hoy?
Es un placer degustar este vino.

At a gourmet restaurant

Quisiera el menú degustación.
¿Puedo degustar el aceite?
Vinimos a degustar su cocina.
Gracias por dejarnos degustar esto.

At a food festival

¿Hay degustación gratuita?
Quiero degustar los dulces.
¿Dónde se puede degustar el queso?
Vamos a degustar todo.

Writing a review

Tuvimos el placer de degustar...
Recomiendo degustar el postre.
Se puede degustar la calidad.
Un lugar ideal para degustar...

Metaphorical

Degustar el silencio.
Degustar cada momento.
Degustar el éxito.
Degustar la paz.

Conversation Starters

"¿Cuál es el plato más delicioso que has tenido el placer de degustar?"

"Si pudieras degustar cualquier comida del mundo ahora mismo, ¿qué sería?"

"¿Prefieres comer rápido o tomarte tu tiempo para degustar cada bocado?"

"¿Te gustaría ir a una bodega para degustar unos vinos este fin de semana?"

"¿Qué opinas de los menús degustación en los restaurantes caros?"

Journal Prompts

Describe la última vez que degustaste algo realmente especial. ¿Qué era? ¿Cómo sabía?

Escribe sobre una experiencia de viaje donde pudiste degustar la cultura local a través de su comida.

¿Crees que es importante aprender a degustar la comida en lugar de solo comerla? ¿Por qué?

Imagina que eres un crítico gastronómico. Escribe una reseña sobre un plato que acabas de degustar.

Reflexiona sobre lo que significa 'degustar la vida' para ti.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Solo si es una hamburguesa gourmet o artesanal y quieres enfatizar su calidad. Si es comida rápida, suena extraño o irónico.

'Probar' es el término general para intentar algo por primera vez. 'Degustar' implica una intención de disfrutar y analizar los sabores.

Sí, es muy común en contextos de comida, vino y turismo, pero no se usa para las comidas diarias normales.

Se dice 'menú degustación'.

Sí, se puede usar para café, té, zumos artesanales o incluso agua mineral de alta calidad.

Sí, es un verbo regular terminado en -ar.

Sí, se usa en todo el mundo hispanohablante, especialmente en países con fuerte cultura gastronómica.

El sustantivo es 'la degustación'.

Sí, es correcto. Significa 'I like to savor'.

No, siempre es positivo o neutral. No lo confundas con 'disgustar'.