latas
/latas/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'cans' is translated into Spanish as latas.
latas is the most common and general term used in Spanish to refer to metal containers used for preserving food or storing drinks.
Which one should you use?
While latas is the standard term, you may encounter envases, which refers more broadly to containers and latitas, which is a more affectionate or colloquial way to refer to small cans.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is lata, and the plural form is latas.
How do you pronounce it?
/latas/
Did you know?
- The word lata shares a root with the English word 'plate', as both originate from the Latin 'lamina', meaning a thin sheet of metal.
- The expression dar la lata literally means 'to give the can', but it is used idiomatically to mean 'to bother' or 'to nag' someone constantly.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the word lata is used as a slang term to describe a tedious or boring situation, such as saying ¡Qué lata! to mean 'What a drag!'
Examples in context
- Quisiera dos latas de tomate.I'd like two cans of tomatoes.This sentence is useful for requesting a specific quantity of latas of tomatoes.Tatoeba #2267155 by hayastan, translation #2267154 by _undertoad
- Se reciclan latas de aluminio.Aluminum cans are recycled.This sentence is useful for discussing the recycling of aluminum latas.Tatoeba #1909479 by hayastan, translation #8958549 by Nylez
- ¿Cuántas latas de atún abro para la ensalada?How many tuna cans should I open for the salad?This sentence is useful for asking how many latas of tuna to open for a dish.Tatoeba #10195450 by Seael, translation #10195457 by DJ_Saidez
- Por favor, recicla las latas vacías.Please recycle the empty cans.
- El supermercado vende latas de refresco.The supermarket sells soda cans.
- Pasame una de esas latitas de cerveza, por favor.Pass me one of those little beer cans, please.
- El niño colecciona latitas de refresco.The child collects soda cans.
- Compré unas conservas de atún en el supermercado.I bought some cans of tuna at the supermarket.
- ¿Puedes recoger los botes de la mesa?Can you pick up the cans from the table?
- Un bote de refresco se cayó al suelo.A soda can fell on the floor.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are organizing the pantry.
- MaríaHay muchas latas de sopa aquí.There are many cans of soup here.
- Alejandro¿Debo guardar estas latas en el estante?Should I put these cans on the shelf?
- MaríaSí, por favor, Alejandro.Yes, please, Alejandro.
- AlejandroEntendido, María.Understood, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
