posavasos
/ˌposaˈbasos/masculine
The Spanish word for coaster is posavasos.
The term posavasos refers to a small object used to protect a table surface by placing a cup or glass upon it.
Meaning: small object on which a cup, etc., is placed to protect a table surface (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of the verb posar (to place or set) and vasos (glasses).
How does it change in a sentence?
posavasos is a masculine noun and uses the masculine article el. The word is invariable in number, meaning posavasos is the same for both singular and plural forms.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌposaˈbasos/
Did you know?
- While posavasos is the standard term, in some Latin American countries like Mexico, you might hear people refer to them as individuales if they are large paper or plastic sheets used to protect the table.
- The root verb posar also means 'to perch', which is why it is used to describe a bird landing on a branch.
- The verb posar used in posavasos is also the word used when a model is 'posing' for a photograph or a painting.
Examples in context
- Pon el vaso en un posavasos para no manchar la mesa.Put the glass on a coaster so as not to stain the table.
- Necesito un posavasos para mi café.I need a coaster for my coffee.
- El posavasos es de madera.The coaster is made of wood.
- ¿Dónde pusiste el posavasos azul?Where did you put the blue coaster?
Example conversation
In a living room, Elena is cleaning the table.
- Javier¿Dónde está el posavasos, Elena?Where is the coaster, Elena?
- ElenaEstá sobre la mesa de la sala.It is on the living room table.
- JavierGracias, no quiero manchar la madera.Thanks, I don't want to stain the wood.
- ElenaNo te preocupes, Javier.Don't worry, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coaster” translations and entries posavasos, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
