abrelatas
/abɾeˈlatas/masculine
The English phrase "can opener" is translated into Spanish as abrelatas. Wiktionary also lists abridor.
Meaning: device used to open tin cans (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| abrelatas | /abɾeˈlatas/ | masculine |
| abridor | /abɾiˈdoɾ/ | masculine |
The term refers to a device used to open tin cans. You may also see the phrase abridor de latas used as a common alternative to express the same thing.
Which one should you use?
abrelatas specifically refers to a device for opening cans. In contrast, abridor is a more general term for an "opener", such as a bottle opener.
How does it change in a sentence?
abrelatas is an invariable noun, which means its form does not change whether you are talking about one can opener or multiple can openers.
How do you pronounce it?
/abɾeˈlatas/
Did you know?
- While abrelatas is used for tools, the word abre combined with other nouns creates tools for things you would not expect to 'open' in English, such as an abrecierres for a zipper.
- The word latas in abrelatas is plural, even when referring to a single tool, because the device is designed to open many 'cans'.
- The suffix -dor in abridor comes from the Latin -tor, which is the same root used to create English nouns like 'creator' or 'operator'.
Examples in context
- Tom abrió la lata con un abrelatas.Tom opened the can with a can opener.This sentence shows how to use abrelatas to describe an action.Tatoeba #10543540 by Shishir, translation #10534311 by Hybrid
- A veces uso tijeras como un abrelatas.I sometimes use scissors as a can opener.This sentence describes using an alternative tool in place of an abrelatas.Tatoeba #1498873 by marcelostockle, translation #258147 by CK
- Ese abrelatas es una porquería, no vale para nada.That can opener is a piece of junk, it's useless.This sentence uses abrelatas to describe a low-quality tool.Tatoeba #10185625 by saverius, translation #12946861 by saverius
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are in the kitchen preparing lunch.
- LucíaMateo, ¿tienes un abrelatas?Mateo, do you have a can opener?
- MateoNo, no encuentro mi abrelatas por ninguna parte.No, I can't find my can opener anywhere.
- LucíaBúscalo en el cajón de la cocina.Look for it in the kitchen drawer.
- Mateo¡Ah, aquí está el abrelatas!Ah, here is the can opener!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “can opener” translations and entries abrelatas, abridor, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abrelatas, abridor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
