Spanish word of the day: Empalagar

What does empalagar mean?

Empalagar (verb) — To cloy or to be excessively sweet to the point of causing discomfort or satiation. When referring to food, it describes something that is so sweet or rich that it becomes unpleasant or sickening.

Example sentences with empalagar

• Este dulce empalaga. No puedo comer ni un pedazo más.
  🍭 This candy is too sweet. I can't eat another piece.

• Me empalagan las comedias románticas.
  🎞️ (I find romantic comedies cloying.)

• El turrón me empalaga.
  🍩 (I find nougat too sickly sweet.)

Confused about how to conjugate empalagar? Our conjugation tables can help.

Empalagar in context

This Spanish verb is primarily used when referring to food that's excessively sweet to the point of causing discomfort or satiation. You'd use it to describe desserts or treats that become overwhelming after a few bites - "Este pastel de chocolate es tan dulce que me empalaga" (This chocolate cake is so sweet I can't have another bite).

Beyond culinary contexts, "empalagar" extends to social situations where someone or something is overly affectionate, sentimental, or artificial - "Mi tía me empalaga con tantos besos y abrazos" (My aunt is kissing and hugging me all the time; she tires me out)

The adjective form "empalagoso" can describe both overly sweet foods and excessively affectionate people.