encimera
/enθiˈmeɾa/feminine
The English word "countertop" is translated into Spanish as encimera.
encimera is a feminine noun used to refer to the top surface of a counter, for preparation of food.
Meaning: the top surface of a counter, for preparation of food (noun)
Which one should you use?
While encimera refers specifically to the top surface, it is distinct from the word mostrador, which refers to a shop counter where customers are served.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of encimera is encimeras.
How do you pronounce it?
/enθiˈmeɾa/
Did you know?
- In Mexico and parts of Latin America, you will rarely hear encimera. Instead, people use cubierta or barra, as encimera is primarily used in Spain.
- In some regions, particularly in Mexico, the word barra is used to describe a countertop that is high enough to serve as a breakfast nook or a bar.
- The word encimera comes from the root encima, meaning 'on top'. It literally describes a surface that is placed on top of a base cabinet.
Examples in context
- El fregadero estaba lleno, de modo que dejé el plato en la encimera.The sink was full, so I left the plate on the countertop.This sentence shows how to use encimera when describing leaving an object on the kitchen surface.Tatoeba #10184715 by Seael, translation #2425666 by MethodGT
- Por favor, envíeme un presupuesto para la instalación de una encimera en mi cocina nueva.Please, send me a quote for the installation of a countertop in my new kitchen.
- Estoy pensando en cambiar mi mesada de la cocina, ¿tienes alguna recomendación?I'm thinking of changing my kitchen countertop, do you have any recommendations?
- Limpia la encimera antes de cocinar.Clean the countertop before cooking.
- La encimera de granito es muy bonita.The granite countertop is very beautiful.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are in the kitchen.
- AlejandroMaría, ¿dónde pongo las bolsas?María, where should I put the bags?
- MaríaPonlas sobre la encimera, por favor.Put them on the countertop, please.
- AlejandroEstá muy llena de cosas.It is very full of things.
- MaríaTienes razón, voy a despejarla ahora.You are right, I will clear it now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “countertop” translations and entries encimera, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
