listón
/lisˈton/masculine
The English word 'batten' can be translated into Spanish as listón. Wiktionary also lists alfarda and barreta.
Meaning: plank or strip of wood, or several of such strips arranged side by side, used in construction to hold members of a structure together, etc. (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| listón | /lisˈton/ | masculine |
| alfarda | /alˈfaɾda/ | feminine |
| barreta | /baˈreta/ | feminine |
| ristrel | /ristɾel/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
In carpentry and construction, listón is the standard term for a thin strip of wood used for structural or decorative purposes.
Which one should you use?
While listón is the most common term for a wooden strip or batten, barreta refers more specifically to a metal bar or a crowbar in many contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The term listón is a masculine noun. Other forms of the word include the feminine alfarda and barreta, and the masculine ristrel.
How do you pronounce it?
/lisˈton/
Did you know?
- The word listón can refer to a flexible ribbon used for decorating hair, creating a strange connection between a rigid piece of construction wood and a soft piece of fabric.
- The phrase poner el listón alto uses the word for batten to mean setting a high standard or goal for achievement.
- The term alfarda is not just a generic batten, but specifically refers to the protective side-rails or handrails on bridges and balconies designed to prevent falls.
Examples in context
- El listón de madera está firmemente fijadoThe wooden batten is securely attached
- Los trabajadores clavaron el tablón en la paredThe workers nailed the batten to the wall
- La varilla metálica estaba dobladaThe metal batten was bent
- Necesito una tira de madera para reparar la cercaI need a wooden batten to fix the fence
- Necesito un listón de madera para el estante.I need a wooden batten for the shelf.
- El listón es demasiado corto para este marco.The batten is too short for this frame.
- Corta ese listón con la sierra.Cut that batten with the saw.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are in a workshop repairing a wooden fence.
- MateoMaría, ¿tienes un listón para reparar la valla?María, do you have a batten to repair the fence?
- MaríaSí, tengo un listón en la caja de herramientas.Yes, I have a batten in the toolbox.
- MateoPerfecto, pásamelo para que pueda trabajar.Perfect, pass it to me so I can work.
- MaríaAquí tienes, ten cuidado con la madera.Here you go, be careful with the wood.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “batten” translations and entries listón, alfarda, barreta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
