Spanish: Say 'I am making ___' and Describe the Dish
Learn to say what dish you are making in Spanish using 'estoy haciendo' and describe it with key adjectives for flavor, ingredients, and origin.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
In this lesson, you will learn to say what dish you are making right now and describe it in Spanish. The focus is on the dish itself, not the cooking actions. You will use the present progressive 'estoy haciendo' (I am making) followed by the name of the dish. Then you will add details like ingredients, flavor, and origin. This is useful for talking about meals you are preparing, whether you are cooking at home or ordering in a restaurant. By the end, you will be able to make simple statements about dishes and understand common descriptions.
By the end, you can…
- say 'I am making ___' using 'estoy haciendo' + dish name.
- describe a dish with common adjectives for taste and ingredients.
- ask and answer simple questions about what dish someone is making.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Estoy haciendo una sopa de verduras.
I am making a vegetable soup.
es-TOY a-SIEN-do U-na SO-pa de ber-DU-ras
Use 'estoy haciendo' for an action happening now. 'Una sopa' is feminine, so use 'una'.
Estoy haciendo tacos de pollo.
I am making chicken tacos.
es-TOY a-SIEN-do TA-kos de PO-yo
In Latin America, 'tacos' is common. 'De pollo' means 'of chicken' and describes the filling.
La sopa está caliente y sabrosa.
The soup is hot and tasty.
la SO-pa es-TA ka-LIEN-te i sa-BRO-sa
'Está' (not 'es') describes a temporary state. 'Sabrosa' agrees with feminine 'sopa'.
¿Qué estás haciendo?
What are you making?
ke es-TAS a-SIEN-do
Informal question. Use 'está' for formal. The verb 'hacer' means 'to make' or 'to do'.
Es un plato típico de México.
It is a typical dish from Mexico.
es un PLA-to TI-pi-ko de ME-xi-ko
'Plato' means 'dish' as a prepared food. 'Típico de' indicates origin.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To say 'I am making ___', use 'Estoy haciendo' + the dish name. The verb 'hacer' means 'to make' or 'to do'. For example: 'Estoy haciendo una pizza.' (I am making a pizza.) 'Estoy haciendo arroz con pollo.' (I am making rice with chicken.) Note that the dish name often comes with an article: 'una sopa', 'un pastel'. If the dish is plural, use 'unos' or 'unas': 'Estoy haciendo unas enchiladas.' You can also add 'para' + person: 'Estoy haciendo una ensalada para mi mamá.'
When to use it
Use 'estoy haciendo' when you are in the middle of preparing a dish. It focuses on the dish, not the steps. For example, if someone asks '¿Qué estás haciendo?' you can answer 'Estoy haciendo una tortilla de patatas.' If you want to describe the dish, add adjectives: 'La tortilla está deliciosa.' Use 'es' for inherent characteristics: 'Es una tortilla española.' Use 'está' for current state: 'Está caliente.' This distinction is important. Also, in Latin America, 'tortilla' often means a corn flatbread, while in Spain it's an egg and potato dish. Clarify with context.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
¿Qué estás haciendo?
What are you making?ke es-TAS a-SIEN-doEstoy haciendo una sopa de lentejas.
I am making a lentil soup.es-TOY a-SIEN-do U-na SO-pa de len-TE-xas¿Y cómo es?
And what is it like?i KO-mo esEs una sopa espesa y sabrosa. Lleva zanahorias y papas.
It is a thick and tasty soup. It has carrots and potatoes.es U-na SO-pa es-PE-sa i sa-BRO-sa. YE-va sa-na-O-rias i PA-pasA little context goes a long way
In many Spanish-speaking countries, meals are often described by their main ingredients or region. For example, 'tamales' vary by country; in Mexico they are corn dough steamed in husks, while in other countries they may be wrapped in banana leaves. When describing a dish, it's common to mention if it's 'picante' (spicy) or 'dulce' (sweet). Also, the word 'plato' can mean both 'plate' and 'dish' (prepared food). In restaurants, you might hear 'el plato del día' (the dish of the day). Be aware that 'comida' can mean 'food' or 'lunch' depending on the region.
One thing to watch for
Using 'soy haciendo' to mean 'I am making'.
Try this instead: 'Soy' means 'I am' but is used for permanent characteristics, not ongoing actions. For actions happening now, use 'estoy': 'Estoy haciendo una sopa.' Never say 'soy haciendo'.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'I am making a chicken soup'?
Show a sample answer
Estoy haciendo una sopa de pollo.
This uses 'estoy haciendo' + 'una sopa de pollo'. 'Una' agrees with feminine 'sopa'. You could also say 'Estoy haciendo sopa de pollo' without the article, but 'una' is common.
2What is the difference between 'La sopa es sabrosa' and 'La sopa está sabrosa'?
Show a sample answer
'La sopa es sabrosa' means the soup is tasty in general (inherent characteristic). 'La sopa está sabrosa' means the soup is tasty right now (current state).
Both can be used, but 'es' describes a general quality, while 'está' emphasizes the current experience. In many contexts, they are interchangeable for food, but 'está' is more common when tasting.
3Translate: 'What are you making?' (informal)
Show a sample answer
¿Qué estás haciendo?
This is the informal singular question. For formal, use '¿Qué está haciendo?' For plural, '¿Qué están haciendo?'
Use 'estoy haciendo' + dish name to say what you are making. Add 'es' or 'está' to describe the dish's characteristics or current state. Practice with common dishes like sopa, tacos, and ensalada.
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