cortinas opacas
/koɾtinas opakas/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'blackout curtains' is translated into Spanish as cortinas opacas.
This phrase refers to curtains made of thick material designed to block out all light from entering a room.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cortinas (curtains) and opacas (opaque), literally meaning 'opaque curtains'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you can call them Cortinas Blackout. In Spain, you may use Cortinas Opacas or Cortinas con Efecto Blackout.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase follows Spanish gender and number agreement. Use the singular cortina opaca when referring to a single curtain.
Did you know?
- The word cortina is used in Spanish for more than just window coverings, such as cortina de humo to describe a 'smoke screen' used to hide a secret.
- The word opacas shares a root with the English word 'opaque', but in Spanish, it is also used to describe a voice that lacks clarity or a dull color.
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, if you ask for cortinas opacas in a store, the salesperson might ask if you want 'dim-out' or 'blackout' to distinguish between partial and total light blockage.
Examples in context
- Necesito comprar cortinas opacas para mi habitación.I need to buy blackout curtains for my bedroom.
- Necesito comprar cortinas opacas para el dormitorio.I need to buy blackout curtains for the bedroom.
- Las cortinas opacas son muy útiles en verano.Blackout curtains are very useful in summer.
- Instalamos cortinas opacas para que no entre luz.We installed blackout curtains so that no light enters.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are shopping for home goods.
- Sofía¿Viste esas cortinas opacas de color gris?Did you see those grey blackout curtains?
- MateoSí, creo que quedarían bien en tu cuarto.Yes, I think they would look good in your room.
- SofíaMe gustaría tener cortinas opacas para dormir mejor.I would like to have blackout curtains to sleep better.
- MateoEntonces deberíamos llevarlas a la caja ahora.Then we should take them to the checkout now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
