Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| banco | /ˈbanko/ | masculine |
| banca | /ˈbanka/ | feminine |
| escaño | /esˈkaɲo/ | masculine |
| poyo | /ˈpoʝo/ | masculine |
| poyete | /poʝete/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| pretil | /pɾeˈtil/ | masculine |
In Spanish, there are several ways to refer to a bench depending on its material, its setting or its specific design.
Which one should you use?
The word banco is a common term for a bench, but it is also the word for a financial bank. Banca is a feminine form often used for a bench. Escaño is used specifically for a seat or bench in a legislative or formal assembly. Poyo refers to an architectural bench, typically one made of stone or masonry that is built into a wall. Poyete and pretil are also forms for types of benches or low railings/ledges.
How does it change in a sentence?
banco is a masculine noun, while banca is a feminine noun. escaño, poyo, poyete and pretil are all masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbanko/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be aware that banco can mean both a 'bench' and a 'financial bank'. While using it for both is correct, you should be mindful of the context so you do not confuse the two meanings.
Did you know?
- The word banco is used to describe a school of fish, such as a banco de peces.
- The word banca has a surprising connection to the Philippines, where it can also mean a type of boat, derived from the Tagalog word bangka.
- The word banco originally referred to the physical table or bench that money-changers used in marketplaces.
Examples in context
- Siéntate en la banca.Sit down on the bench.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of banca.Tatoeba #1703081 by marcelostockle, translation #33808 by CK
- Sentémonos en el banco.Let's sit on the bench.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of banco.Tatoeba #752432 by Shishir, translation #752431 by sctld
- Sentémonos en la banca.Let's sit down on the bench.Tatoeba #2216411 by marcelostockle, translation #33813 by Eldad
- Por favor, siéntate en la banca mientras esperamos.Please sit on the bench while we wait.
- Las bancas del parque son muy cómodas.The park benches are very comfortable.
- Descansé un rato en el banco del jardín.I rested a while on the garden bench.
- El parque cuenta con diferentes tipos de bancos.The park has different types of benches.
- ¿Te puedo acompañar en el banquito?Can I join you on the little bench?
- Vamos a sentarnos en el banquito mientras esperamos.Let's sit on the little bench while we wait.
- 54 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are resting in a park.
- AlejandroHay un banco vacío allí.There is an empty bench over there.
- MaríaSí, vamos a sentarnos en ese banco.Yes, let's sit on that bench.
- AlejandroEl banco de madera es muy cómodo.The wooden bench is very comfortable.
- MaríaEs perfecto para descansar un poco.It is perfect for resting a bit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bench” translations and entries banco, banca, escaño, poyo, poyete, pretil, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries banca, banco, escaño, poyo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
