cama
/ˈkama/
The Spanish word for bed is cama.
The most common and general way to say bed in Spanish is la cama. If you are specifically referring to a bunk bed or a set of two beds stacked on top of each other, you can use la litera.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While cama is the standard term, el lecho is a more formal version often found in poetic or written contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, especially Mexico and Central America, el catre is a popular term used to describe a simple and humble bed.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of cama is camas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkama/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish dialects, the expression hacer la cama means to 'make the bed', but in certain slang contexts, it can also mean to sabotage someone or set them up for failure.
- The word camarero, which means 'waiter', originates from the word for a small room or bed area, as the job originally involved tending to guests' chambers.
- The word cama might not have Latin origins at all, as it is believed to have been borrowed from a mysterious Paleo-Hispanic language.
Examples in context
- Por favor, hágeme la cama.Please make the bed.
- El hotel cuenta con literas en las habitaciones familiares.The hotel has bunk beds in the family rooms.
- Me quedé a dormir en un catre en la casa de mi amigo.I stayed over at my friend's house on a cot.
- La cama es muy cómoda.The bed is very comfortable.
- Necesito una cama nueva.I need a new bed.
- Tu cama está hecha.Your bed is made.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are in a bedroom looking at furniture.
- Mateo¿Te gusta esta cama, María?Do you like this bed, María?
- MaríaSí, es una cama muy bonita.Yes, it is a very pretty bed.
- MateoEs perfecta para nuestro cuarto.It is perfect for our room.
- MaríaEntonces vamos a comprarla.Then let's buy it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cama, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cama, CC BY-SA 4.0.
