Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| alfombra | /alˈfombɾa/ | feminine |
| tapete | /taˈpete/ | masculine |
| alfombrilla | /alfomˈbɾiʝa/ | feminine |
| alcatifa | /alkaˈtifa/ | feminine |
| catifa | /kaˈtifa/ | feminine, alternative form |
| alombra | /aˈlombɾa/ | dated, feminine, alternative form |
These terms are used to refer to various types of floor coverings, ranging from large carpets to small decorative mats.
Which one should you use?
alfombra is the general term used for both a rug and a wall-to-wall carpet. tapete usually refers to a smaller rug, a decorative mat or a small area rug. alfombrilla is a diminutive form used for very small items, such as a doormat or a computer mousepad.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
alcatifa is a formal or literary term for a rug, often used when discussing high-quality or oriental rugs. alfombrita is an informal diminutive of alfombra used to describe a smaller or more casual rug.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and many other parts of Latin America, tapete or its diminutive tapetito is commonly used to mean rug or mat.
How does it change in a sentence?
alfombra, alfombrilla, alcatifa, catifa and alombra are feminine nouns, while tapete is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/alˈfombɾa/
Did you know?
- The word alfombra comes from the Andalusian Arabic word al-ḥánbal, meaning 'carpet'.
- In some contexts, tapete can refer to the green felt surface of a gaming table, such as for billiards or poker.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, alfombra roja is used not just for a physical red carpet but as a metaphor for a lavish welcome.
Examples in context
- Es una hermosa alfombra.It's a beautiful rug.This sentence is useful for describing the beauty of an alfombra.Tatoeba #1513893 by marcelostockle, translation #1513361 by Spamster
- Tom compró una alfombra.Tom bought a rug.This sentence shows the action of buying an alfombra.Tatoeba #10233263 by manufrutos, translation #6443837 by Hybrid
- Esta alfombra es hecha a mano.This rug is handmade.This sentence describes an alfombra that is handmade.Tatoeba #4329406 by pchamorro, translation #2731702 by sharptoothed
- La alfombra de mi sala es muy suave y acogedora.The rug in my living room is very soft and cozy.
- Los tapetes persas son conocidos por su belleza y calidad.Persian rugs are known for their beauty and quality.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are decorating their new living room.
- Sofía¿Te gusta esta alfombra roja?Do you like this red rug?
- JavierSí, la alfombra es muy suave.Yes, the rug is very soft.
- SofíaEs perfecta para este salón.It is perfect for this living room.
- JavierEntonces, vamos a comprarla ahora.Then, let's buy it now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rug” translations and entries alfombra, tapete, alfombrilla, alcatifa, catifa, alombra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alcatifa, alfombra, alfombrilla, tapete, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
