encimera
/enθiˈmeɾa/
The English phrase "kitchen counter" is encimera in Spanish.
A kitchen counter refers to a flat, hard surface in a kitchen used for preparing food.
What does it mean word for word?
The word encimera is derived from the preposition encima (on top), literally referring to a surface that is on top of the cabinets.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word for kitchen counter is encimera. In Mexico and some Central American countries, barra de la cocina is used for kitchen counter. Another term you may encounter is la mesada, which is a feminine noun.
How does it change in a sentence?
encimera is a feminine noun. To make the word plural, add -s to form las encimeras.
How do you pronounce it?
/enθiˈmeɾa/
Did you know?
- Spanish uses the same word barra for a kitchen counter, a bar where you drink, and a physical metal rod, all because they share the same long, thin shape.
- The term mesada is a linguistic descendant of the word mesa, meaning 'table', which reflects a time when food was prepared on freestanding tables instead of built-in counters.
- While encimera is standard in Spain, using it in Argentina or Uruguay might make you sound like you are reading a technical manual.
Examples in context
- Por favor, coloca los platos en la mesadaPlease, put the plates on the kitchen counter
- Limpia la encimera después de cocinarClean the kitchen counter after cooking
- Las llaves están en la encimera de la cocinaThe keys are on the kitchen counter
- Déjame los platos en la barra de la cocinaLeave the plates on the kitchen counter
- María prepara la cena y coloca los ingredientes en la encimeraMaría prepares dinner and places the ingredients on the kitchen counter
- Ana limpia la mesada después de cocinarAna cleans the kitchen counter after cooking
- Deja las llaves en la encimera.Leave the keys on the kitchen counter.
- La encimera es de granito.The kitchen counter is made of granite.
- Necesito limpiar la encimera.I need to clean the kitchen counter.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are in the kitchen preparing lunch.
- Daniel¿Puedes poner los platos en la encimera?Can you put the plates on the kitchen counter?
- SofíaSí, Daniel, los pongo ahora.Yes, Daniel, I am putting them there now.
- DanielGracias, la encimera está muy limpia.Thanks, the kitchen counter is very clean.
- SofíaEs que la limpié esta mañana.It's because I cleaned it this morning.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry encimera, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
