respaldo
/resˈpaldo/
The English phrase "seat back" is translated into Spanish as respaldo.
While respaldo can stand alone to mean 'backrest', in a formal or technical context like an airplane manual, it is often used as el respaldo del asiento to specify the back of a seat.
Which one should you use?
Do not confuse respaldo (the object/backrest) with espalda (the human anatomical back).
How do you pronounce it?
/resˈpaldo/
Did you know?
- The word respaldo can also refer to a backup copy of digital data, similar to the English word 'backup'.
- Beyond furniture, respaldo is used in a political or social context to mean 'support' or 'backing' for a person or a cause.
- In the context of documents or official papers, respaldo can refer to the reverse side of a page or a supporting document provided as evidence.
Examples in context
- Por favor, ajuste su respaldo de asientoPlease adjust your seat back
- Mantenga la parte trasera del asiento en posición verticalMaintain your seat back in an upright position
- Recuéstate y baja el respaldo del asientoLie back and lower the seat back
- La aerolínea proporciona asientos cómodos con respaldo ajustableThe airline provides comfortable seats with adjustable backs
- El respaldo de la silla está roto.The chair back is broken.
- Necesito un respaldo más cómodo para mi asiento.I need a more comfortable backrest for my seat.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are at a cafe trying to fix a chair.
- Alejandro¿Puedes arreglar el respaldo de esta silla, María?Can you fix the back of this chair, María?
- MaríaNo, el respaldo está demasiado flojo.No, the seat back is too loose.
- AlejandroEs un problema para mi espalda.It is a problem for my back.
- MaríaBusquemos otra mesa, Alejandro.Let's look for another table, Alejandro.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry respaldo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
