ataúd
/ataˈud/
In Spanish, 'casket' is translated as ataúd.
The term refers to a rectangular box used for burying a dead person.
Which one should you use?
While ataúd is the most common word for a casket, its synonym féretro is a more formal or solemn option often used in literature or during funeral services.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of ataúd is ataúdes.
How do you pronounce it?
/ataˈud/
Did you know?
- The word ataúd is a linguistic relic of the Moorish presence in Spain, having been borrowed from the Arabic word tābūt through Andalusian Arabic.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word cajón is used for a casket, which literally means 'drawer' or 'large box'.
- The term féretro comes from the Latin feretrum, which shares a root with the verb 'to carry', reflecting the action of bearing the deceased to their grave.
Examples in context
- Este ataúd está demasiado pesado.This casket is too heavy.This sentence is useful for describing the weight of an ataúd.Tatoeba #3529367 by cueyayotl, translation #9359669 by DJ_Saidez
- Cuando abrieron el ataúd, no había nadie.When they opened the casket, there was no one there.This sentence describes an action involving an ataúd.Tatoeba #1658326 by wallebot, translation #10739032 by SGM
- En el funeral, el cuerpo será colocado en un féretro de alta calidad.At the funeral, the body will be placed in a high-quality casket.
- El ataúd será transportado al cementerio en una carroza fúnebre.The casket will be transported to the cemetery in a funeral hearse.
- Necesitamos elegir un cajón adecuado para el servicio conmemorativo.We need to choose a suitable casket for the memorial service.
- El ataúd de madera era muy elegante.The wooden casket was very elegant.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are at a funeral home.
- Lucía¿Es este el ataúd que elegimos?Is this the casket we chose?
- AlejandroSí, Lucía, es este.Yes, Lucía, it is this one.
- LucíaEs más bonito de lo que esperaba.It is more beautiful than I expected.
- AlejandroMe alegra que te guste, Lucía.I am glad you like it, Lucía.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ataúd, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ataúd, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
