posavasos
neutral, Mexico
A drink coaster is a posavasos in Mexico, literally "glass rest". It is also called portavasos and base para vasos.
Meaning: a mat that protects a table from a glass (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| posavasos | neutral, Mexico |
| portavasos | less common |
| base para vasos | descriptive |
The word is the same in most Spanish-speaking countries. In a car, the cup holder is a portavasos, which is a different thing.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes mix up posavasos (coaster) and portavasos (cup holder). Only the first goes under a glass.
Did you know?
- The word posavasos is built from poner (to put) and vasos (glasses), so it says exactly what the object does.
Examples in context
- Pon un posavasos debajo de la copa.Put a coaster under the glass.
- Compré posavasos de corcho.I bought cork coasters.
Example conversation
Lucía and her friend Paco are setting up a living room for guests in Puebla.
- LucíaLa mesa es nueva, usa un posavasos.The table is new, use a coaster.
- Paco¿Dónde están?Where are they?
- LucíaEn el cajón de la sala.In the drawer in the living room.
