estante
/esˈtante/
The Spanish word for rack (as in a series of shelves) is estante.
estante is used to refer to a rack used as a shelving unit or a stand. A common synonym for this term when referring to a single shelf or rack is anaquel.
Meaning: series of shelves (noun)
Which one should you use?
estante refers to a single shelf, whereas estantería refers to the entire shelving unit or a bookcase. If you are referring to a rack specifically as a torture device, use the word potro.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of estante is estantes (shelves).
How do you pronounce it?
/esˈtante/
Did you know?
- The term potro for a torture rack literally translates to 'colt' or 'young horse'.
- If you use the word potro in a modern context, a Spanish speaker will likely think of a gym pommel horse before they think of a torture rack.
- The word estante shares its DNA with the English word 'stand'. They both descend from the Latin verb 'stāre', meaning 'to stand'.
Examples in context
- Ella organizó sus libros en el estante de libros.She organized her books on the book rack.
- El prisionero fue sometido al potro.The prisoner was subjected to the rack.
- El dolor de espalda se sentía como estar en un potro de tortura.Her back pain felt like being on a torture rack.
- El libro está en el estante.The book is on the shelf.
- Necesito un estante nuevo para mi cuarto.I need a new shelf for my room.
- Pon las plantas en el estante de madera.Put the plants on the wooden shelf.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are organizing their new apartment.
- Mateo¿Dónde pongo este estante pequeño?Where do I put this small shelf?
- MaríaPon el estante junto a la ventana, Mateo.Put the shelf next to the window, Mateo.
- MateoVale, ¿te gusta cómo queda?Okay, do you like how it looks?
- MaríaSí, queda muy bien en esta pared.Yes, it looks great on this wall.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry estante, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries estante, CC BY-SA 4.0.
