Spanish word

servilleta

Pronunciation

IPA/seɾβiˈʝeta/

Meaning

  • feminine nounnapkin

Example

¿Me puedes pasar la servilleta, por favor?

Can you pass me the napkin, please?

Illustration for servilleta (napkin)

More examples

Coloca la servilleta en tu regazo antes de comer.

Place the napkin on your lap before eating.

Core concept

Folded cloth or paper placed next to a place setting or on the lap to protect clothing and wipe mouth and hands.

Common phrases

  • servilleta de papel

    paper napkin

  • pasar la servilleta

    pass the napkin

  • poner la servilleta

    place the napkin

Similar words

toallita: Small personal wipe or cloth, often moist or disposable, for cleaning hands and face.
pañuelo: Personal cloth or paper carried to blow the nose or wipe facial sweat and tears.
toalla: Large towellike cloth for drying off after washing or bathing.

Definition in Spanish

Objeto de tela o papel que se coloca sobre las piernas o al lado del plato para limpiarse la boca y las manos durante una comida.

Word origin

Derived from French serviette, formed as a diminutive of servir 'to serve', indicating a small serving cloth for the table.

Usage tips

  • When a reusable cloth is intended, Spanish often says servilleta de tela, while an unmarked servilleta in casual settings is often paper.

Related words

  • servilleteronapkin holdernoun

Word lists with this word