colcha
/ˈkolt͡ʃa/feminine
In Spanish, 'quilt' can be translated as several different words depending on the specific type of bedding, with colcha being the default form. Wiktionary also lists acolchado and plumón.
Meaning: bed covering (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| colcha | /ˈkolt͡ʃa/ | feminine |
| acolchado | /akolˈt͡ʃado/ | masculine |
| plumón | /pluˈmon/ | masculine |
| cubrelecho | /kubɾelet͡ʃo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| cuilta | /ˈkwilta/ | US, feminine |
Which one should you use?
colcha is a general term for a bedspread or decorative cover. In contrast, acolchado refers specifically to a quilted or padded bed covering, often implying thickness and warmth. plumón refers to a thick, warm comforter, often one filled with down or feathers.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term colcha is used to refer to a quilt. cuilta is a Spanglish term used primarily by Spanish speakers in the United States to refer to a quilt.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb acolchar is used both for the act of making a quilt and for the technique of padding or quilting a surface.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkoltʃa/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the verb acolchar is used beyond bedding to describe the process of adding a layer of mulch or padding to a garden to protect plant roots.
- The word colcha is a loanword from the Old French colche, which meant 'bed' or 'couch'.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, the verb acolchar can be used metaphorically to describe padding something, such as a leather chair or a jacket, rather than just sewing a blanket.
Examples in context
- Mi abuela me hizo una hermosa manta acolchada para el invierno.My grandmother made me a beautiful quilt for the winter.
- Voy a adornar mi cama con una nueva manta acolchada.I'm going to decorate my bed with a new quilt.
- ¿Has visto mi edredón favorito? Es tan suave y abrigado.Have you seen my favorite quilt? It's so soft and warm.
- El edredón que compramos la semana pasada está perfecto para el sofá.The quilt we bought last week is perfect for the sofa.
- Me encanta la nueva colcha que compré para el dormitorio.I love the new quilt I bought for the bedroom.
- El cubrecama que heredé de mi abuela es un tesoro familiar.The bedspread I inherited from my grandmother is a family treasure.
- La colcha es de color azul.The quilt is blue.
- Necesito una colcha nueva para el invierno.I need a new quilt for the winter.
- Esa colcha es muy suave.That quilt is very soft.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are decorating a guest bedroom.
- Lucía¿Te gusta esta colcha para la cama?Do you like this quilt for the bed?
- JavierSí, la colcha es muy bonita.Yes, the quilt is very pretty.
- LucíaEs perfecta para el dormitorio.It is perfect for the bedroom.
- JavierEntonces, vamos a ponerla ahora.Then, let's put it on now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “quilt” translations and entries colcha, acolchado, plumón, cuilta, 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 acolchado, colcha, plumón, CC BY-SA 4.0.
