colchón de aire
/kolt͡ʃon de aiɾe/from spelling rules
The English phrase "air bed" is translated into Spanish as colchón de aire.
The term refers to a bed that inflated with air.
Meaning: a bed that inflated with air (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of colchón (mattress) and de aire (of air).
Which one should you use?
The phrase colchón inflable is a common alternative used to describe an air bed.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, people often use colchón de aire and colchón inflable for "air bed." In Argentina, the term cama inflable is commonly used to mean "inflatable bed."
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, change colchón to colchones.
How do you pronounce it?
/koltʃon de aiɾe/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish contexts, the word colchón can be used figuratively to describe a 'cushion' of money or resources saved for an emergency.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, the word colcha refers to a 'quilt' or 'bedspread', but adding the suffix '-ón' transforms it into the word for the actual mattress, colchón.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, ¿tiene un colchón inflable disponible para alquilar?Excuse me, do you have an air bed available for rent?
- Llevemos un colchón de aire para nuestro viaje de campamento.Let's bring an air mattress for our camping trip.
- Necesito comprar un colchón de aire para las visitas.I need to buy an air bed for the visitors.
- El colchón de aire está en el armario.The air bed is in the closet.
Example conversation
María and Javier are preparing for guests arriving at their house.
- María¿Dónde está el colchón de aire, Javier?Where is the air bed, Javier?
- JavierEstá guardado en el trastero.It is stored in the storage room.
- MaríaGracias, voy a inflarlo ahora.Thanks, I am going to inflate it now.
- JavierPerfecto, yo te ayudo con la bomba.Perfect, I will help you with the pump.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aire, colchón, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
