ingrediente

ingredient

noun een-greh-DYEN-teh Less Common

Origin: From Latin ingrediens ('entering'), present participle of ingredi.

Usage Note

Ingrediente is used both literally (a component in a recipe) and figuratively (el ingrediente clave del éxito = the key ingredient for success). It is always masculine (el ingrediente). The plural ingredientes appears on food packaging as 'ingredients list'. Learners can safely use it as a near-cognate with the English word.

Examples

"El ajo es un ingrediente esencial."

Natural Translation

Garlic is an essential ingredient.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

Spanish Accent Marks: 3 Rules for Every Word

A Spanish word needs an accent mark in just three cases: it breaks the default stress, it's a homophone, or a weak vowel splits off. Here are all three rules.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Mexican Spanish Slang Every Traveler Should Know

Mexican Spanish slang decoded for travelers: what güey, mande, órale, and ahorita really mean, who you can safely say them to, and how rude each one is.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

The Spanish Cheek Kiss: Greeting Etiquette by Country

Two kisses in Spain, one in most of Latin America. Master the Spanish cheek kiss greeting — which cheek first, the air-kiss mechanics, and when to shake hands.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Respond to ¿Cómo Estás? (Not Just Bien)

Respond to ¿cómo estás? like a native: add gracias, bounce back ¿y tú?, and pick a reply by mood — bien, no me quejo, más o menos, or ahí voy.

June 3, 2026 6 min read