Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| armario | /aɾˈmaɾjo/ | masculine |
| ropero | /roˈpeɾo/ | masculine |
| clóset | /ˈkloset/ | masculine |
| placar | /plaˈkaɾ/ | masculine |
| placard | /plakaɾd/ (from spelling rules) | South America, masculine |
| cachimán | /kat͡ʃiman/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
armario is a highly versatile term used for a clothes closet, a kitchen cupboard or a storage cabinet. If you are talking specifically about a built-in closet that is a recessed space in a wall, armario or clóset are the most natural choices.
Which one should you use?
While armario is general and can mean a cupboard or cabinet, ropero specifically refers to a piece of furniture used for hanging or storing clothes, often a freestanding wardrobe. clóset is also used for a closet.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term clóset is common in many Latin American countries as it is derived directly from the English word 'closet'. In the Rioplatense region, specifically Argentina, Uruguay and parts of Paraguay, the word placar is frequently used to refer to a closet or cupboard. The word placard is also used in South America.
How does it change in a sentence?
All the forms armario, ropero, clóset, placar and placard are masculine nouns. In contrast, the formal term guardarropa is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/aɾˈmaɾjo/
Did you know?
- The word armario comes from the Latin word for 'arms' or 'weapons'. In ancient times, these cabinets were primarily used to store armor and weaponry.
- The word clóset is an anglicism used widely in Latin America, but it requires a written accent on the 'o' to follow Spanish stress rules.
- The term guardarropa literally translates to 'keep clothes', combining the verb guardar and the noun ropa.
Examples in context
- Me metí en el armario.I went into the closet.This sentence shows the use of armario to describe entering a closet.Tatoeba #8813919 by arh, translation #8813581 by CK
- ¿Qué hay en ese armario?What's in that closet?This sentence demonstrates asking what is inside an armario.Tatoeba #4685028 by Shishir, translation #3825696 by CK
- Escóndete en el armario.Hide in the closet.This sentence uses armario as a place to hide.Tatoeba #5132015 by albrusgher, translation #2648129 by CK
- Mi ropa está en el armario.My clothes are in the closet.
- Los abrigos se encuentran en el guardarropa.The coats are in the closet.
- ¿Dónde está mi chaqueta? La dejé en el clóset.Where is my jacket? I left it in the closet.
- Voy a guardar mis vestidos en el ropero.I'm going to put my dresses in the closet.
- 40 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are moving into a new apartment.
- MateoEl armario es muy grande.The closet is very large.
- LucíaSí, cabe toda tu ropa.Yes, all your clothes will fit.
- Mateo¿Dónde pongo este armario?Where do I put this closet?
- LucíaPonlo en la habitación.Put it in the bedroom.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “closet” translations and entries armario, ropero, clóset, placar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries armario, clóset, placar, ropero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
