tapa
/ˈtapa/feminine
The Spanish word for lid is tapa. Wiktionary also lists tapadera.
Meaning: top or cover (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tapa | /ˈtapa/ | feminine |
| tapadera | /tapadeɾa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
The word tapa is a common way to say lid or cover for a container in Spanish.
Which one should you use?
tapa is the standard word for a lid or a cover. tapadera is another translation for lid used in specific regional variations or literary contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
tapadera is used in specific regional variations.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both tapa and tapadera are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtapa/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, if you are at a bar and order a drink, the 'tapa' might arrive as a delicious snack for free.
- The word tapa can be traced back to a Germanic root meaning 'plug' or 'tap', suggesting an ancient connection to things that plug a hole.
- In Spanish, the expression poner tapa can be used figuratively to mean putting a stop to a situation or 'closing the lid' on a discussion.
Examples in context
- La tapa está cerrada.The lid is closed.The first sentence shows how to describe a closed lid using tapa.Tatoeba #1901444 by marcelostockle, translation #1898213 by CK
- Esta olla no tiene tapa.This pot has no lid.The second sentence uses tapa to show that a pot lacks a lid.Tatoeba #1691576 by hayastan, translation #10936974 by JeanM
- No puedo quitar la tapa.I cannot get the lid off.The third sentence demonstrates using tapa when you are unable to remove a lid.Tatoeba #4391977 by pchamorro, translation #21781 by CC
- ¿Podrías cerrar la tapita, por favor?Could you close the lid, please?
- Pásame el tapón de la botella.Pass me the bottle cap.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In the kitchen, Daniel is looking for a container.
- Sofía¿Dónde está la tapa de este envase?Where is the lid for this container?
- DanielEstá sobre la mesa, Sofía.It is on the table, Sofía.
- SofíaGracias, ya la encontré.Thanks, I found it now.
- DanielDe nada, ten cuidado con la tapa.You're welcome, be careful with the lid.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lid” translations and entries tapa, tapadera, 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 tapa, tapadera, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
