The word "crema" generally refers to a creamy substance that can vary from culinary to cosmetic and medicinal contexts. In a culinary sense, it typically denotes a dairy cream used in cooking and desserts. In medicine and pharmacy, it refers to topical preparations used to treat skin conditions or for cosmetic purposes.
In Spanish, "crema" is widely used across both oral and written contexts. It is common in everyday conversations, recipes, and medical prescriptions alike.
Frequency of Use: The term is very common and is used frequently in all contexts where creams or paste-like substances are discussed.
La crema de la tarta es muy dulce.
The cream of the cake is very sweet.
Ella se aplica crema hidratante todas las mañanas.
She applies moisturizing cream every morning.
El médico le recetó una crema para aliviar la picazón.
The doctor prescribed a cream to relieve the itching.
"Crema" is also found in various idiomatic expressions in Spanish. Here are a few notable ones:
Ejemplo: En el concurso, ella es la crema de la crema en el canto.
In the contest, she is the best of the best in singing.
Crema y nata.
Cream and cream.
This expression refers to the elite or the high society.
Ejemplo: Solo la crema y nata de la sociedad fue invitada a la gala.
Only the cream of society was invited to the gala.
Estar en la crema.
To be in the cream.
It means to be in a very favorable position or situation.
The word "crema" comes from the latinate term "crema," meaning the rich milk that rises to the top of the milk. This term is derived from the Latin "cremare," which means to burn or to cook, related to the idea of heating milk to yield cream.
"Crema" is a versatile word with multiple applications across various domains, making it integral in conversations about food, health, and beauty.