papel de cocina
/papel de koθina/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'paper towel' is translated into Spanish as papel de cocina.
papel de cocina refers to the paper used in kitchens.
Meaning: paper used in kitchens (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of papel (paper), de (of) and cocina (kitchen), literally meaning 'paper of kitchen'.
Which one should you use?
toalla de papel is a formal or standard translation. For smaller paper towels or hand wipes, the informal term toallita de papel is used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, papel de cocina is the specific term for kitchen rolls, though people also frequently use servilletas de papel if they are referring to paper napkins used for cleaning.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is papeles de cocina, but in many contexts, the singular papel de cocina is used as an uncountable noun to refer to the material in general.
How do you pronounce it?
/papel de koθina/
Did you know?
- The word cocina shares a linguistic ancestor with the English word 'cuisine', both tracing back to the Latin 'coquere' meaning 'to cook'.
- While toallita is the diminutive for a paper towel, calling a piece of paper a papelito usually refers to a tiny scrap or a note rather than a small towel.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the word papel can be used as a shorthand for any type of disposable paper, meaning you might hear someone ask for papel when they specifically want a paper towel.
Examples in context
- Podrías pasarme una toalla de papel, por favor?Could you pass me a paper towel, please?
- Necesito un papel de cocina para limpiar este derrame.I need a paper towel to clean up this spill.
- Necesito un papel de cocina para limpiar la mesa.I need a paper towel to clean the table.
- ¿Dónde está el papel de cocina?Where is the paper towel?
- Hay que comprar más papel de cocina.We have to buy more paper towels.
Example conversation
In the kitchen, Mateo spilled some water on the counter.
- ElenaMateo, ¿has derramado agua?Mateo, did you spill water?
- MateoSí, lo siento, Elena.Yes, I'm sorry, Elena.
- ElenaDame un papel de cocina para secarlo.Give me a paper towel to dry it.
- MateoAquí tienes el papel.Here is the towel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cocina, de, papel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
