Thanksgiving, or El Día de Acción de Gracias, is a popular holiday in the US and Canada. It’s a time for family, appreciation, and, of course, a feast that will leave everyone satisfied. But did you know that Thanksgiving might be a great time to learn Spanish?

Nowadays, the holiday is no longer exclusive to the US and Canada. In fact, many countries in Latin America have started celebrating it in recent years. So what a better chance to practice your Spanish than by learning some Thanksgiving vocabulary! Whether you’re planning a bilingual Thanksgiving, connecting with Spanish-speaking friends, or simply extending your vocabulary, learning holiday-related terminology may be both educational and fun. 

In this blog post, we’ll go over Thanksgiving vocabulary, divide it down into useful categories, and present examples and cultural insights to help you feel comfortable using these terms.

By the end, you’ll be able to talk about Thanksgiving like a pro—in Spanish! 

Are you ready? Let’s get started!

Thanksgiving Food Vocabulary (El Vocabulario de la Comida)

Thanksgiving and food are inseparable. Thanksgiving and food are connected. Learning the Spanish names for your favorite Thanksgiving foods might help you show the holiday to Spanish speakers, or wow your guests by naming dishes bilingually at your feast!

Here’s a list of classic Thanksgiving foods and their Spanish translations:

Cultural Note:

In many Latin American countries, turkey (el pavo) is a traditional holiday dish, especially for Christmas. Though the sides may differ, this makes it a familiar centerpiece in Spanish-speaking cultures.

Example Sentences:

1. ¿Quieres más puré de papas con salsa? (Would you like more mashed potatoes with gravy?)
2. Mi abuela hace el mejor relleno casero. (My grandmother makes the best homemade stuffing.)
3. Siempre espero el pastel de calabaza después de la cena. (I always look forward to pumpkin pie after dinner.)
4. Mi postre favorito es el pastel de manzana. (My favorite dessert is apple pie.)
5. A mí no me gustan los ejotes. (I don’t like green beans.)

Family Vocabulary (El Vocabulario de la Familia)

Thanksgiving is also about getting together with loved ones. Let’s learn how to describe your family members and the joy that comes from sitting around the table.

Cultural Note:

In Spanish-speaking cultures, family gatherings are often lively and involve extended family. It’s not unusual for holidays to include primos segundos (second cousins) and tíos políticos (aunts and uncles by marriage).

Example Sentences:

1. Toda mi familia viene a cenar el jueves. (My whole family is coming for dinner on Thursday.)
2. Mi tío siempre cuenta chistes durante la cena. (My uncle always tells jokes during dinner.)
3. Mis primos y yo jugamos juegos de mesa después de comer. (My cousins and I play board games after eating.)
4. Todos mis parientes vendrán a mi casa a celebrar. (All of my relatives will come to my home to celebrate.)
5. Mi tía trajo un pastel de manzana para la cena. (My aunt brought an apple pie for dinner.)

Gratitude and Celebration Vocabulary (La Gratitud y la Celebración)

At its core, Thanksgiving is about gratitude. These words and phrases will help you express thanks and participate in the holiday’s spirit.

Phrases to Practice:

1. Estoy agradecido por mi salud y mi familia. (I’m thankful for my health and my family.)
2. Hacemos un brindis antes de comer. (We make a toast before eating.)
3. ¿Por qué estás agradecido(a) este año? (What are you thankful for this year?)
4. Agradezco tener a todos ustedes aquí conmigo hoy. (I’m thankful to have all of you here with me today.)
5. Gracias por tu amistad y por estar siempre a mi lado. (Thank you for your friendship and for always being by my side.)

Holiday Activities and Decorations (Las Actividades y Decoraciones)

Thanksgiving isn’t just about food—it’s also about the activities and ambiance that make it special. These words will help you describe the holiday mood.

Cultural Note:

Parades and football may be distinctly American traditions, but the idea of decorating for fall (el otoño) is becoming popular in Spanish-speaking countries.

Example Sentences:

1. Nos reunimos cada año para ver el desfile de Macy’s. (We gather every year to watch the Macy’s parade.)
2. Decoramos la casa con calabazas y hojas de otoño. (We decorate the house with pumpkins and autumn leaves.)
3. A mi papá le encanta ver el fútbol americano después de comer. (My dad loves watching football after eating.)
4. Mi mamá cocinó la cena. (My mom cooked dinner.)
5. Mi abuela horneó galletas para compartir con la familia. (My grandmother baked cookies to share with the family.)

Fun Thanksgiving Phrases in Spanish

Here’s a list of full sentences you can use to sound like a Thanksgiving expert:

1. ¡Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias! (Happy Thanksgiving!)
2. ¿Qué te gusta más del Día de Acción de Gracias? (What do you like most about Thanksgiving?)
3. La comida estuvo deliciosa. Gracias por cocinar. (The food was delicious. Thank you for cooking.)
4. ¿Puedo ayudarte a servir el pavo? (Can I help you serve the turkey?)
5. La casa huele a otoño y a especias. (The house smells like autumn and spices.)
6. ¡El brindis de este año es para la familia y los amigos! (This year’s toast is for family and friends!)
7. Este banquete es digno de un rey. (This feast is fit for a king.)
8. Estoy agradecido(a) por las pequeñas cosas de la vida. (I’m thankful for the little things in life.)
9. Demos gracias por los momentos felices y los aprendizajes del año. (Let’s give thanks for the happy moments and the lessons of the year.)
10. ¡Gracias a todos por hacer de este día algo inolvidable! (Thank you all for making this day unforgettable!)

What Are You Thankful For?

Now you’re ready to enjoy Thanksgiving with a Spanish twist! Learning these words and phrases not only enhances your language skills, but also allows you to interact with others during this particular time of year. Whether you’re throwing a bilingual feast, teaching your family new vocabulary, or simply enjoying the holiday, including Spanish into your festivities adds a fun and cultural element.

So, grab your pavo, reflect on your bendiciones, and say, ¡Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias!

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