armario
/aɾˈmaɾjo/
The Spanish word for cupboard is armario.
armario is a general term used to describe a piece of furniture such as a cupboard, a closet or a wardrobe.
Meaning: a cabinet, closet, or other piece of furniture intended for storing cookware, dishware, or food (noun)
Which one should you use?
While armario is a general term for any cabinet, closet or wardrobe, there are more specific words depending on what is being stored. alacena is specifically used for a kitchen cupboard or pantry used for food and dishes, and despensa specifically refers to a cupboard used to store food.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, alacena is the most common term for cupboard.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of armario is armarios.
How do you pronounce it?
/aɾˈmaɾjo/
Did you know?
- The word armario comes from the Latin word for 'arms' or 'weapons', meaning it was originally a chest used to store armor.
- The phrase salir del armario, which literally means 'to come out of the cupboard', is the standard Spanish idiom for coming out of the closet regarding one's sexuality.
- In historical Spanish contexts, an armario was often a specialized piece of church furniture used to store sacred vessels and linens.
Examples in context
- Miré en el armario.I looked in the cupboard.This sentence shows how to use armario to describe looking inside.Tatoeba #993980 by Shishir, translation #239944 by CK
- Pon eso en el armario.Put that in the cupboard.This sentence demonstrates how to use armario to give a direction to put something inside.Tatoeba #5683074 by albrusgher, translation #5134101 by Joseph
- El armario está lleno.The cupboard is full.This sentence shows how to use armario to describe the state of the furniture.Tatoeba #6814525 by arh, translation #11035592 by sundown
- Por favor, guarda los platos en el armarioPlease, put the dishes in the cupboard
- El azúcar está en la alacenaThe sugar is in the cupboard
- Pon los libros en el gabinete, por favorPut the books in the cupboard, please
- La comida enlatada está en la despensaThe canned food is in the cupboard
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo is helping Sofía organize the kitchen.
- Sofía¿Dónde está el armario de la cocina?Where is the kitchen cupboard?
- MateoEstá junto a la ventana.It is next to the window.
- SofíaGracias, Mateo. Voy a guardar los platos.Thanks, Mateo. I am going to put the plates away.
- MateoDe nada, Sofía. El armario es muy grande.You're welcome, Sofía. The cupboard is very big.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry armario, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries armario, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
