tender mi cama
/tendeɾ mi kama/from spelling rules
The English phrase "make my bed" is translated into Spanish as tender mi cama.
The phrase is used to describe the chore of arranging sheets and blankets on a bed so that it looks neat. While tender mi cama specifically refers to your own bed, the more common general way to refer to the chore itself is tender la cama.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb tender literally means to stretch out or to spread out, which refers to the physical action of smoothing out the linens and blankets.
Which one should you use?
You may encounter different ways to express this action depending on the emphasis or region. Hacer la cama is a common alternative, though tender la cama specifically emphasizes the smoothing and spreading of the linens. Additionally, tender mi cama specifically means "to make my bed," whereas tender la cama is the more general expression for "to make the bed."
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, you might hear arreglar la cama used to express the idea of making the bed.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Por favor, dime cómo tender mi cama.Please tell me how to make my bed.This sentence is useful for learning how to use the phrase tender mi cama.Tatoeba #838607 by darinmex, translation #33964 by AlanF_US
- Haz mi cama antes de que lleguen los invitados.Make my bed before the guests arrive.
- Tengo que tender mi cama antes de salir.I have to make my bed before leaving.
- Siempre olvido tender mi cama por la mañana.I always forget to make my bed in the morning.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are talking about their morning routines in the kitchen.
- Elena¿Ya terminaste de tender mi cama, Javier?Did you finish making my bed, Javier?
- JavierNo, lo siento, Elena, no tuve tiempo.No, I'm sorry, Elena, I didn't have time.
- ElenaNo pasa nada, lo haré yo ahora.It's okay, I'll do it now.
- JavierGracias, eres muy amable.Thanks, you are very kind.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cama, mi, tender, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
