agarradera
/aɡaraˈdeɾa/
The Spanish word for pot holder is agarradera.
A pot holder is a thick piece of fabric or material used to protect the hand when holding a hot pot. Note that while agarradera is used for a pot holder, it can also refer to a handle or a grip for various other objects.
Which one should you use?
The term agarradera specifically refers to a pot holder, but it can also mean a handle or grip. If the item is a glove-style mitt that covers the entire hand, it is more commonly called a manopla.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may use manopla para ollas or guante de cocina térmico to refer to a pot holder. In Mexico and Central America, Guante térmico is a commonly used term. In South American countries, Agarrador de ollas is a prevalent term.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the word is agarraderas.
How do you pronounce it?
/aɡaraˈdeɾa/
Did you know?
- The term manopla is not just for kitchen mitts, as it also describes the heavy leather gauntlets worn by medieval knights or modern riot police.
- The word agarradera is built from the root garra, which means 'claw' or 'talon' in English. This suggests the tool is an extension of the hand's natural grip strength.
- In various Spanish-speaking regions, you may see agarradera and agarrador used interchangeably, shifting the gender of the noun while keeping the root meaning 'to grab'.
Examples in context
- Por favor, ¿puedes pasarme el agarrador de ollas? No quiero quemarme las manos al agarrar esa cacerola caliente.Please, could you pass me the pot holder? I don't want to burn my hands while grabbing that hot casserole.
- Me encanta esta manopla de cocina nueva. Es muy útil cuando saco las bandejas del horno.I love this new kitchen mitten. It's very useful when taking out baking sheets from the oven.
- Necesito una agarradera para sacar la bandeja.I need a pot holder to take out the tray.
- La agarradera está sobre la estufa.The pot holder is on the stove.
- Usa la agarradera para no quemarte.Use the pot holder so you don't burn yourself.
Example conversation
In a kitchen while cooking dinner.
- Mateo¿Dónde está la agarradera?Where is the pot holder?
- MaríaEstá en el cajón de la cocina.It is in the kitchen drawer.
- MateoGracias, María. La olla está muy caliente.Thanks, María. The pot is very hot.
- MaríaTen cuidado con tus manos.Be careful with your hands.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry agarradera, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries agarradera, CC BY-SA 4.0.
