estante
/esˈtante/masculine
The English word shelf is translated into Spanish as estante. Wiktionary also lists balda and anaquel.
Meaning: structure (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| estante | /esˈtante/ | masculine |
| balda | /ˈbalda/ | feminine |
| anaquel | /anaˈkel/ | masculine |
| entrepaño | /entɾepaɲo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The term is used to describe a structure used for holding or displaying objects. In the context of books, the word for bookshelf is librería.
Which one should you use?
While estante is the general term, balda often refers specifically to a single flat board or plank used as a shelf within a larger unit. Anaquel is frequently used in the context of retail or commercial shelving, such as in a grocery store or warehouse.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term anaquel is a formal word for shelf more commonly used in Mexico and Central America.
How does it change in a sentence?
Estante and anaquel are masculine nouns, while balda is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/esˈtante/
Did you know?
- The word anaquel shares a common ancestor with 'mancala', the ancient family of board games involving sowing seeds.
- The word entrepaño is often used specifically for the interior shelves of a wardrobe or cupboard, rather than open wall shelving.
Examples in context
- John hizo una estantería.John made a book shelf.This sentence shows how to use the word estante in the context of making a bookshelf.Tatoeba #515921 by Shishir, translation #488176 by saasmath
- En el estante solo hay libros.There are only books on the shelf.This sentence illustrates using estante to describe what is on a shelf.Tatoeba #5046822 by don_ramon, translation #3200193 by patgfisher
- Un libro cayó de la estantería.A book dropped from the shelf.This sentence shows the use of estante when something falls from a shelf.Tatoeba #497595 by Shishir, translation #322044 by CK
- Por favor, coloque el libro en la estantería.Please, put the book on the shelf.
- Ordena los productos en el anaquel.Organize the products on the shelf.
- Pon el libro en el estante de arriba, por favor.Put the book on the top shelf, please.
- Deja los adornos en la repisa de la sala.Leave the decorations on the living room shelf.
- Una estantería grandeA big shelf
- Un estante pequeñoA small shelf
- Dos repisas de maderaTwo wooden shelves
- Voy a organizar las estanterías en el estudio.I'm going to organize the shelves in the study.
- Los anaqueles están llenos de libros.The shelves are full of books.
- 49 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are organizing their new apartment.
- Javier¿Dónde pongo este estante?Where do I put this shelf?
- MaríaPon el estante en la sala, Javier.Put the shelf in the living room, Javier.
- JavierEstá bien, buscaré un lugar.Okay, I will look for a place.
- MaríaGracias por ayudarme hoy.Thank you for helping me today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shelf” translations and entries estante, balda, anaquel, entrepaño, 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 anaquel, balda, estante, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
