jarra
/ˈxara/feminine
The Spanish word for jug is jarra.
jarra is the standard term for a jug or a pitcher. In certain contexts, it can also refer to a large mug or a tankard.
Meaning: serving vessel (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico, the word olla is occasionally used to describe a large, pot-like jug.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of jarra is jarras.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈxara/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish dialects, particularly in older colloquialisms, the word jarra can be used in slang to refer to a person's face, similar to the English term 'mug'.
- The Spanish word jarra shares a common ancestor with the English word 'jar', both tracing back to the Arabic word for an earthen receptacle.
- In many Spanish-speaking households, you might encounter a 'jarra de barro', a jug made of clay, which is a traditional way to keep water naturally cool.
Examples in context
- La jarra estaba muy pesada.The jug was very heavy.This sentence shows how to describe the weight of a jarra.Tatoeba #4695564 by cueyayotl, translation #2728184 by Hybrid
- Esta jarra no tiene fondo.This jug has no bottom.This sentence describes a jarra that is missing its bottom.Tatoeba #8668678 by ajje, translation #8668680 by ajje
- Esa jarra es sólo para los clientes.That jug is only for the customers.This sentence explains that a specific jarra is reserved for customers.Tatoeba #8671917 by ajje, translation #8671918 by ajje
- En la reunión, sirvieron agua fresca en una jarra elegante.In the meeting, they served fresh water in an elegant jug.
- En las áreas rurales de España, el agua se mantiene fría en un botijo.In the rural areas of Spain, the water stays cold in a botijo.
- Mientras acampábamos, utilizamos un cántaro para llevar agua del río.While we were camping, we used a large jug to carry water from the river.
- El mesero nos sirvió más agua en el pichel de plástico.The waiter served us more water in the plastic pitcher.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are preparing a table for lunch.
- MateoLucía, ¿dónde está la jarra de agua?Lucía, where is the water jug?
- LucíaLa jarra está en el refrigerador, Mateo.The jug is in the refrigerator, Mateo.
- MateoGracias, voy a llenar la jarra ahora.Thanks, I am going to fill the jug now.
- LucíaPerfecto, pon la jarra sobre la mesa.Perfect, put the jug on the table.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jug” translations and entries jarra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jarra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
