Spanish word

plato

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈplato/

Meaning

  • masculine nounplate

Example

¿Me pasas el plato, por favor?

Can you pass me the plate, please?

Illustration for plato (plate)

More examples

El plato vegetariano está lleno de verduras.

The vegetarian dish is full of vegetables.

Core concept

A portion of food served on a flat dish.

Common phrases

  • plato vegetariano

    vegetarian dish

  • plato combinado

    combination plate

  • plato para llevar

    takeout plate

Similar words

porción: A single person's share after dividing a larger dish.
ración: A restaurant-sized portion for one diner.
platillo: A very small plate for bite-sized portions or tasters.
fuente: A big serving platter for communal sharing at the table.

Definition in Spanish

Porción de comida servida como unidad en la mesa, y también el plato o fuente plana donde se coloca esa porción.

Word origin

From Greek πλατύς 'broad, flat' via Vulgar Latin *plattus and Old Spanish, originally naming a flat vessel and later the food placed on it.

Usage tips

  • In everyday use 'un plato' typically refers to a single serving, and dishes meant for sharing are often labeled para compartir or called ración.

Other meanings

  • dishnoun
  • servingnoun

Related words

  • platónplatternoun

Word lists with this word