caoba
/kaˈoba/feminine
Mahogany in Spanish is caoba.
The term refers to the wood.
Meaning: wood (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of Latin America, the term cedro may be used to refer to mahogany.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun caoba is feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈoba/
Did you know?
- The word caoba is not of Spanish origin but was borrowed from the Taíno language of the Caribbean.
- In many Spanish speaking countries, the term caoba is used to describe a specific deep reddish-brown color, even when the object is not made of wood.
- If you are in a Central American carpentry shop, you might hear artisans distinguish between 'caoba verdadera' and cheaper imitations.
Examples in context
- Ella tenía el pelo de color caoba.She had mahogany-coloured hair.This sentence shows how to describe hair that is mahogany-coloured using caoba.Tatoeba #9695162 by Shishir, translation #12927381 by araneo
- Compré la mesa de caoba por ser la más elegante.I bought the mahogany table because it was the most elegant.This sentence illustrates how to describe a piece of furniture made of caoba.Tatoeba #9695161 by Shishir, translation #9770387 by DJ_Saidez
- Este escritorio está hecho de caoba.This desk is made of mahogany.
- La madera de caoba es conocida por su durabilidad y belleza.Mahogany wood is known for its durability and beauty.
- El armario es de caoba pura.The wardrobe is made of pure mahogany.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are looking at furniture in a store.
- LucíaMira este escritorio de caoba.Look at this mahogany desk.
- DanielEs muy bonito, pero es caro.It is very beautiful, but it is expensive.
- LucíaLa caoba es madera de alta calidad.Mahogany is high quality wood.
- DanielTienes razón, Lucía.You are right, Lucía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mahogany” translations and entries caoba, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caoba, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
