Spanish word

lata

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈlata/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncan

Example

Pon la lata en la mesa.

Put the can on the table.

Illustration for lata (can)

More examples

¡Qué lata!

What a nuisance!

Core concept

Small sealed tin used to store food or drink.

Common phrases

  • abrir la lata

    open the can

  • una lata de atún

    a can of tuna

Similar words

envase: Generic container or packaging for holding products or materials.
bote: Small lidded container for food, ingredients, or small items.
tarro: Glass jar used mainly for preserving or storing food.
frasco: Small bottle-like container for liquids, medicines, or perfumes.

Definition in Spanish

Envase metálico sellado para conservar comida o bebida; también se usa para referirse al alimento conservado y, en registro coloquial, para expresar que algo resulta fastidioso.

Word origin

From Italian latta 'tin' (originally meaning 'thin metal sheet'), Spanish lata denotes the tin vessel for preserved food and by extension labels something that causes annoyance.

Usage tips

  • Although the closest English gloss is 'can', lata never expresses ability or permission in Spanish, so avoid translating English modal 'can' with lata.

Other meanings

  • nuisancenoun

Related words

  • enlatadocannedadjective
  • latosoannoyingadjective

Word lists with this word