colchón
/kolˈt͡ʃon/masculine
The English word cushion can be translated into Spanish as colchón. Wiktionary also lists amortiguante.
Meaning: absorbent or protective item (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| colchón | /kolˈt͡ʃon/ | masculine |
| amortiguante | /amoɾtiɡwante/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
Colchón is a masculine noun used for absorbent or protective items. The term amortiguante is also a masculine noun.
Which one should you use?
While colchón can be used for a protective cushion in some contexts, its primary and most common meaning is a mattress. For a decorative or soft cushion used on a sofa or chair, the word cojín is more common than colchón or amortiguante.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb amortiguar is used to describe the action of cushioning an impact or softening a blow.
How do you pronounce it?
/kolˈtʃon/
Did you know?
- In many Latin American countries, a 'financial cushion' for your savings is called a colchón de seguridad, literally a 'safety mattress'.
- The word colchón is an augmentative form of colcha, which means 'bedspread' or 'quilt'.
- The verb amortiguar is used to describe 'softening' the delivery of bad news or mitigating an economic crash.
Examples in context
- Por favor, tráigame un cojín para la silla.Please bring me a cushion for the chair.
- Necesito un cojín adicional para el sofá.I need an additional cushion for the sofa.
- El cojín bordado es muy elegante.The embroidered cushion is very elegant.
- Me encanta dormir con muchos almohadones en la cama.I love sleeping with many cushions on the bed.
- Este almohadón es muy suave.This cushion is very soft.
- Compré un almohadón nuevo para el sofá.I bought a new cushion for the sofa.
- Me gusta descansar en una colchoneta en el suelo.I like resting on a floor cushion.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are arranging a new living room.
- MateoElena, ¿te gusta este colchón para el sofá?Elena, do you like this cushion for the sofa?
- ElenaSí, Mateo, se ve muy suave.Yes, Mateo, it looks very soft.
- MateoCreo que es el tamaño perfecto.I think it is the perfect size.
- ElenaCómpralo, ese colchón es ideal.Buy it, that cushion is ideal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cushion” translations and entries colchón, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries colchón, CC BY-SA 4.0.
