cuna
/ˈkuna/feminine
The English phrase cot is translated into Spanish as cuna. Wiktionary also lists pesebre.
Meaning: bed for children (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cuna | /ˈkuna/ | feminine |
| pesebre | /peˈsebɾe/ | masculine |
The standard word for a child's cot or crib is cuna. This noun can also be used metaphorically to describe a 'cradle' of a movement or a specific place of origin.
Which one should you use?
While cuna is the standard term for a baby's cot, pesebre refers to a manger, such as those seen in a Nativity scene, rather than a piece of furniture for a child.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, you may hear the informal term corralito used to refer specifically to a cot or a playpen for babies.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun cuna is feminine and is used with the feminine article la to mean 'the cot'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkuna/
Did you know?
- The word cuna shares an ancient root with the English word 'couch', as both originate from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to be lying down'.
- The idiom cuna de oro, or 'golden cradle', is used to describe someone who was born into a life of immense wealth and privilege.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a cuna is often associated with the custom of arrullar, a rhythmic humming or rocking motion used to soothe a baby to sleep.
Examples in context
- El hotel proporcionó una cama plegable para los huéspedes adicionalesThe hotel provided a cot for the additional guests
- La cuna portátil es una opción segura para que el bebé duermaA portable crib is a safe option for the baby to sleep
- El niño dormía tranquilamente en su camitaThe child slept peacefully in his cot
- La cuna es de madera blanca.The cot is made of white wood.
- El bebé duerme en su cuna.The baby sleeps in his cot.
- Necesitamos comprar una cuna nueva.We need to buy a new cot.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are shopping for baby furniture.
- MateoMira esta cuna blanca, Sofía.Look at this white cot, Sofía.
- SofíaEs muy bonita y pequeña.It is very pretty and small.
- Mateo¿Crees que cabe en el cuarto?Do you think it fits in the room?
- SofíaSí, esa cuna es perfecta.Yes, that cot is perfect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cot” translations and entries cuna, pesebre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuna, pesebre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
