almohadilla
/almoaˈdiʝa/
The English phrase 'pad' (meaning a block of paper) is translated into Spanish as almohadilla.
almohadilla refers to a block of paper. It is related to the verbs acolchar and acolchonar, which mean to furnish something with a pad or padding and the verb meter floro, which is used figuratively to mean filling or lengthening something.
Meaning: block of paper (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word almohadilla is the diminutive form of almohada, which means cushion or pillow. Literally, it translates to 'little cushion'.
Which one should you use?
While almohadilla can be used, bloc de notas is a more common way to refer to a notepad or a pad of paper in many Spanish-speaking regions.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/almoaˈdiʝa/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, almohadilla can refer to a feminine sanitary pad, depending on the region.
- The word almohadilla shares its roots with the Arabic word al-miḵadda, which refers to a pillow.
- The word almohadilla is used in technology to refer to a 'mouse pad' in many Spanish-speaking countries.
Examples in context
- Necesito un cuaderno para tomar apuntes durante la reunión.I need a pad/notebook to take notes during the meeting.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are organizing their office supplies.
- ElenaAlejandro, ¿dónde está mi almohadilla de papel?Alejandro, where is my paper pad?
- AlejandroEstá sobre la mesa, Elena.It is on the table, Elena.
- ElenaNo veo ninguna almohadilla allí.I don't see any pad there.
- AlejandroAh, está debajo de tu libro.Oh, it is under your book.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry almohadilla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries almohadilla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
