servilleta
/seɾbiˈʝeta/feminine
The Spanish word for napkin is servilleta. Wiktionary also lists toballeta (disused) and toalleta.
Meaning: serviette (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| servilleta | /seɾbiˈʝeta/ | feminine |
| toballeta (disused) | feminine | |
| toalleta | /toaʝeta/ (from spelling rules) | feminine, rare |
The word is used to refer to a serviette or napkin. In more formal settings, if you are referring specifically to a linen napkin, you may use the phrase servilleta de hilo.
Which one should you use?
While servilleta is the standard term, you may encounter toalleta, which is a rare form or toballeta, which is now considered disused.
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms of this word are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/seɾbiˈʝeta/
Did you know?
- The word servilleta is actually a double diminutive. It combines a root with the diminutive suffix -illa and then adds another suffix, -eta, to create a sense of smallness.
- While servilleta is the most common term, the rare form toalleta shares a common ancestor with the English word 'towel'.
- The word servilleta shares a root with servir, meaning 'to serve', reflecting the object's purpose as a tool for service during a meal.
Examples in context
- Pat voló su servilleta de la mesa estornudando.Pat sneezed the napkin off the table.This sentence shows the word servilleta being used in the context of an object being blown off a table.Tatoeba #2695846 by marcelostockle, translation #337937 by JBG
- Límpiate los labios con la servilleta.Clean your lips with the napkin.This sentence shows how to use servilleta when suggesting someone clean their lips.Tatoeba #1879303 by topofabi, translation #36288 by AlanF_US
- Necesito una servilleta para la cena.I need a napkin for dinner.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are eating dinner at a restaurant.
- MaríaMateo, ¿me pasas la servilleta, por favor?Mateo, can you pass me the napkin, please?
- MateoSí, aquí tienes la servilleta.Yes, here is the napkin.
- MaríaGracias, se me cayó la mía.Thanks, I dropped mine.
- MateoNo hay problema, María.No problem, María.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “napkin” translations and entries servilleta, 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 servilleta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
