cono
/ˈkono/masculine
The English word 'cone' translates to Spanish as cono. If unsure, use cono. Wiktionary also lists cucurucho and alcartaz.
Meaning: anything shaped like a cone (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cono | /ˈkono/ | masculine |
| cucurucho | /kukuˈɾut͡ʃo/ | masculine |
| alcartaz | /alkaɾˈtaθ/ /alkaɾˈtas/ |
masculine |
| cambucho | /kamˈbut͡ʃo/ | masculine |
The term refers to anything shaped like a cone. When you want to specifically refer to an ice cream cone, the standard way to say it is cono de helado.
Which one should you use?
While cono is the general term for any cone-shaped object, cucurucho is used specifically to refer to an ice cream cone in casual settings. Alcartaz and cambucho are also masculine nouns used for cone-shaped items.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Cucurucho is a colloquial way to say 'ice cream cone' when speaking in a casual context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of cono is conos. All forms provided, including cono, cucurucho, alcartaz and cambucho, are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkono/
Did you know?
- Some linguists suggest that the ancestor of cucurucho may have an ultimate Celtic origin, potentially linking it to the Irish word cochull for a hood.
- In Spain, cucurucho is not just for ice cream, but also describes the conical paper wrappers used to serve street snacks like roasted chickpeas and nuts.
- The term cambucho can refer to a cone-shaped object, but in some contexts, it also means a makeshift shelter or a crude shack.
Examples in context
- Jane quería un cono de helado.Jane wanted an ice cream cone.This sentence shows how to use cono in the context of an ice cream cone.Tatoeba #1738401 by marcelostockle, translation #53801 by CN
- Creo que me tomaré otro cucurucho de helado.I think I'll have one more ice cream cone.This sentence demonstrates the colloquial use of cucurucho for an ice cream cone.Tatoeba #6602239 by arh, translation #6602148 by CK
- Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay y el sur de Brasil son parte del Cono Sur.Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay and Southern Brazil are part of the Southern Cone.This sentence illustrates the use of cono within the name of a specific geographic region, the Southern Cone.Tatoeba #1492969 by hayastan, translation #1492724 by Scott
- El tráfico se redujo a un carril debido a un cono de seguridad.Traffic was reduced to one lane due to a safety cone.
- La heladería sirve sus deliciosos helados en barquillos crujientes.The ice cream parlor serves its delicious ice creams in crunchy waffle cones.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are walking through a construction zone.
- Alejandro¿Ves ese cono de color brillante?Do you see that bright colored cone?
- SofíaSí, parece que hay peligro allí.Yes, it looks like there is danger there.
- AlejandroTen cuidado con el cono, Sofía.Be careful with the cone, Sofía.
- SofíaGracias, Alejandro, iré con cuidado.Thanks, Alejandro, I will go carefully.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cone” translations and entries cono, cucurucho, alcartaz, cambucho, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cono, cucurucho, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
