Spanish Conversation · Level 90
60 words
Spanish word
mantel
Pronunciation
IPA/manˈtel/
Meaning
- masculine nountablecloth
Example
¿Dónde está el mantel?
Where is the tablecloth?
More examples
Voy a poner el mantel para la cena.
I'm going to lay the tablecloth for dinner.
Core concept
Decorative fabric covering a table during meals or gatherings.
Common phrases
poner el mantel
lay the tablecloth
quitar el mantel
remove the tablecloth
lavar el mantel
wash the tablecloth
Similar words
servilleta: Small square of cloth or paper at each place that people use to wipe lips and hands during a meal.
individual: Small flat mat that lies beneath a single place setting to protect the table and mark a place.
tapete: Small decorative mat that sits on a table under plates or objects as a surface accent.
camino de mesa: Long narrow strip of fabric that runs down the center of a table as a decorative runner.
Definition in Spanish
Tela destinada a cubrir la mesa, para protegerla de suciedad o para darle un aspecto más cuidado.
Word origin
Derived from Latin mantellum 'small cloak' through Old French mantel, where the general sense 'covering' narrowed in Spanish to the table covering.
Usage tips
- A common false friend is English mantel, which denotes a fireplace shelf, while Spanish speakers call that shelf repisa or la repisa de la chimenea.
Related words
- manteleríatable linennoun
- mantelitosmall tableclothnoun