palo
/ˈpalo/masculine
The Spanish word for pole is palo. If unsure, use palo. Wiktionary also lists garrocha and vara.
Meaning: long and slender object for construction or support (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| palo | /ˈpalo/ | masculine |
| garrocha | /ɡaˈrot͡ʃa/ | feminine |
| vara | /ˈbaɾa/ | feminine |
| pértiga | /ˈpeɾtiɡa/ | feminine |
| pertigal | /peɾtiɡal/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
Spanish has several words for a pole or stick depending on its specific use and characteristics. palo is the most general and common term for a stick or a pole of any kind.
Which one should you use?
While palo is the general term, other words are more specific. Use vara when referring to a thin, often wooden rod or a measuring stick. Use pértiga specifically for a pole used in athletics, such as pole vaulting. The term garrocha is also a form of pole.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions of Spain, the term pértiga is used to refer to a pole used in sports like pole vaulting.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of palo is palos. The plural form of vara is varas. The plural form of pértiga is pértigas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpalo/
Did you know?
- While palo is a general term for a stick, it is also a common vulgar slang term for the penis in many Spanish-speaking cultures.
- While palo means 'pole', it is also the word used for the 'suits' in a deck of cards.
- The word pértiga is a linguistic doublet of percha, meaning they both originate from the same Latin root.
Examples in context
- Fue muy útil ponerle el palo a la fregona.It was very useful to put the pole on the mop.This sentence shows how to use palo when referring to a mop.Tatoeba #1244207 by wallebot, translation #8160618 by magnificentgoddess
- Mira aquel palo en la plaza.Look at that pole in the square.This sentence uses palo to point out an object in a square.Tatoeba #338680 by tatoerique, translation #240852 by CM
- Había una bandera en lo más alto del palo.There was a flag at the top of the pole.This sentence describes a flag being located on a palo.Tatoeba #863740 by washisnein, translation #43972 by Dejo
- Por favor, no te apoyes en el poste.Please do not lean against the pole.
- Agarra el palo y ayúdame a construir la cerca.Grab the pole and help me build the fence.
- El mástil de la embarcación se ve sólido.The ship's mast looks solid.
- Los atletas utilizan una pértiga para saltar más alto.Athletes use a pole to jump higher.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are setting up a tent in a park.
- LucíaJavier, ¿puedes pasarme ese palo?Javier, can you pass me that pole?
- JavierClaro, aquí tienes el palo de la tienda.Sure, here is the tent pole.
- LucíaGracias, es un palo muy largo.Thanks, it is a very long pole.
- JavierSí, servirá para sujetar bien la lona.Yes, it will serve to hold the tarp well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pole” translations and entries palo, garrocha, vara, pértiga, 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 garrocha, palo, pértiga, vara, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
