tablón
/taˈblon/masculine
The English word plank translates to Spanish as tablón. Wiktionary also lists madero.
Meaning: long, broad and thick piece of timber (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tablón | /taˈblon/ | masculine |
| madero | /maˈdeɾo/ | masculine |
The term refers to a long, broad and thick piece of timber. If you are describing a narrow wooden plank or strip, the more specific term is listón.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the physical characteristics of the wood. Use tablón when referring to a large, flat, wide piece of wood. Use madero when the emphasis is on the thickness and structural weight of the wood rather than its flatness, or when it is a heavy beam. A smaller, thinner version of a tablón is called a tabla.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/taˈblon/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the word tabla is used as a slang term to describe a person who is very thin or lacks curves, similar to the English expression 'flat as a board'.
- While tablón describes a physical plank, the word tabla is also the standard term used for a 'surfboard' or a 'skateboard' in Spanish.
- The word tablón is formed by adding the suffix -ón to tabla, which in Spanish is often used as an augmentative to indicate that something is larger or more impressive.
Examples in context
- Necesito un tablón de madera para la mesa.I need a wooden plank for the table.
- El tablón es demasiado largo para el camión.The plank is too long for the truck.
- Pusieron un tablón sobre el agujero.They put a plank over the hole.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are fixing a broken wooden fence in the garden.
- Alejandro¿Tienes el tablón para arreglar la cerca?Do you have the plank to fix the fence?
- SofíaSí, lo tengo aquí en el taller.Yes, I have it here in the workshop.
- AlejandroPásamelo para que pueda trabajar.Pass it to me so I can work.
- SofíaTen cuidado, que ese tablón pesa mucho.Be careful, that plank is very heavy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plank” translations and entries tablón, madero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries madero, tablón, CC BY-SA 4.0.
