Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| alfombrilla | /alfomˈbɾiʝa/ | feminine |
| limpiabarros | /limpjabaros/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| felpo | /felpo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| choapino | /t͡ʃoapino/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
These terms refer to devices used for wiping feet or various types of floor coverings. In a computing context, alfombrilla is the standard term for a mouse pad. It is also used for small mats such as a bath mat or a small decorative rug.
What does it mean word for word?
The word alfombrilla is a diminutive of alfombra (rug), literally meaning 'little rug'.
Which one should you use?
Use alfombrilla for small mats or rugs, such as a mouse pad or a bath mat, whereas alfombra is used for a standard-sized rug. The other forms provided are limpiabarros, felpo and choapino.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, specifically in the Canary Islands, the word felpudo is commonly used to denote a doormat.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word limpiabarros is an invariable noun, which means the form does not change when referring to multiple objects (e.g., los limpiabarros).
How do you pronounce it?
/alfomˈbɾiʝa/
Did you know?
- The word choapino is derived from the name of the Choapa river valley in Chile, referring to the traditional woven mats produced in that specific region.
- In many regions, the word limpiabarros describes the mat by its job, literally translating to 'mud cleaner' in English.
- The word limpiabarros is an invariable noun, meaning the word stays the same even if you are talking about several mats, such as 'los limpiabarros'.
Examples in context
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar una buena alfombra?Where can I find a good mat/carpet?
- No olvides limpiar el tapete a la entrada.Don't forget to clean the doormat at the entrance.
- Déjame limpiar la estera antes de que lleguen los invitados.Let me clean the mat before the guests arrive.
- No olvides sacudir el felpudo para quitar el polvo.Don't forget to shake the doormat to remove the dust.
- Necesito una alfombrilla nueva para el baño.I need a new mat for the bathroom.
- La alfombrilla de la entrada está sucia.The entrance mat is dirty.
- Pon la alfombrilla debajo de la silla.Put the mat under the chair.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are cleaning their new apartment.
- Lucía¿Dónde pusiste la alfombrilla de la cocina?Where did you put the kitchen mat?
- JavierLa dejé cerca de la puerta.I left it near the door.
- LucíaGracias, Javier, la estaba buscando.Thanks, Javier, I was looking for it.
- JavierDe nada, Lucía, es muy pequeña.You're welcome, Lucía, it is very small.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mat” translations and entries alfombrilla, choapino, 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 alfombrilla, choapino, CC BY-SA 4.0.
