vaina
/ˈbaina/feminine
The English word "pod" is translated into Spanish as vaina. Wiktionary also lists capi.
Meaning: seed case (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vaina | /ˈbaina/ | feminine |
| capi | /ˈkapi/ | masculine |
The term vaina is the standard word used in botanical contexts to refer to a seed pod.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, vaina is a widely used term to describe pods, including legumes or seed pods.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of vaina is vainas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbaina/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word vaina shares the same Latin root, vāgīna, as the English word 'vagina', meaning both words originally referred to a 'sheath' or a protective covering.
- In several Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in the Caribbean and parts of South America, the word vaina is used as a versatile slang term meaning 'thing' or 'stuff'.
- Depending on the country, calling something a vaina can range from being perfectly casual to slightly vulgar, making it a risky word for beginners to use without local context.
Examples in context
- Los astronautas se resguardaron en la cápsula espacial.The astronauts took shelter in the space pod.
- ¡Qué arvejas tan deliciosas en esta vaina!These peas are so delicious in this pod!
- Echa las semillas en esa vaina.Put the seeds in that pod.
- La vaina de los guisantes está seca.The pea pod is dry.
- Tengo que abrir la vaina para sacar las semillas.I have to open the pod to take out the seeds.
- La vaina de la planta es muy larga.The plant's pod is very long.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are gardening in the backyard.
- MateoMaría, mira esta vaina de frijol.María, look at this bean pod.
- MaríaEs enorme, Mateo.It is huge, Mateo.
- Mateo¿Quieres abrir la vaina para ver si tiene semillas?Do you want to open the pod to see if it has seeds?
- MaríaSí, vamos a hacerlo.Yes, let's do it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pod” translations and entries vaina, capi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vaina, CC BY-SA 4.0.
