mostrador
/mostɾaˈdoɾ/
The English word 'counter' translates to Spanish as mostrador.
Meaning: object used in counting (noun)
Which one should you use?
Use mostrador for a service counter in a shop or bank, rather than contador, which refers to a person or device that counts numbers.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is mostradores.
How do you pronounce it?
/mostɾaˈdoɾ/
Did you know?
- To describe a 'kitchen counter' or 'worktop', Spanish speakers often avoid mostrador and use encimera instead. This word is derived from encima, meaning 'on top'.
- The word mostrador shares the same root as the verb mostrar, which means 'to show'. This reflects the original purpose of a shop counter as a place to display goods to customers.
- In an airport, the mostrador de facturación is the 'check-in counter'. The word facturación refers to the issuing of an invoice or ticket, rather than the act of 'checking in' as a guest.
Examples in context
- Él se apoyó sobre el mostrador.He leaned on the counter.This sentence shows how to use mostrador as an object to lean on.Tatoeba #5000482 by albrusgher, translation #3691380 by AlanF_US
- Por favor, pague en el mostrador.Please pay at this counter.This sentence illustrates using mostrador as a location for payment.Tatoeba #5952684 by albrusgher, translation #61246 by CK
- ¿Dónde está el mostrador de United Airlines?Where's the counter for the United Airlines?This sentence shows how to ask for the location of a specific airline mostrador.Tatoeba #1591070 by teskmon, translation #30116 by CN
- Me gustaría pagar en el mostrador, por favor.I would like to pay at the counter, please.
- Puedes ordenar en la barra y te lo llevarán a la mesa.You can order at the counter, and they will bring it to your table.
- ¿Tiene cambio para billetes grandes?Do you have change for large bills?
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are at a bakery.
- ElenaHola, voy a pedir el pan en el mostrador.Hello, I'm going to order the bread at the counter.
- MateoEstá muy lleno el mostrador ahora mismo.The counter is very crowded right now.
- ElenaTienes razón, Mateo. Esperemos un poco.You are right, Mateo. Let's wait a bit.
- MateoVale, yo espero aquí contigo, Elena.Okay, I will wait here with you, Elena.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mostrador, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mostrador, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
