arbusto
/aɾˈbusto/masculine
The English word 'shrub' is translated into Spanish as arbusto. If unsure, use arbusto. Wiktionary also lists mata.
Meaning: woody plant (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| arbusto | /aɾˈbusto/ | masculine |
| mata | /ˈmata/ | feminine |
Both arbusto and mata are used to describe a woody plant. If you need to describe something as being 'shrubby', you can use the adjective arbustivo.
Which one should you use?
While both words refer to the same type of plant, arbusto is the more technical or botanical term. In contrast, mata is a more common and colloquial way to refer to a shrub or a bush.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain South American countries, such as Argentina and Uruguay, mata is a common way to express 'shrub'. In Mexico, the term arbolillo might be used to refer to a small shrub.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun arbusto becomes los arbustos in its plural form. The feminine noun mata becomes las matas in its plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/aɾˈbusto/
Did you know?
- The word mata is a homonym with a completely different meaning: it is the third person singular form of the verb matar, meaning 'he or she kills'.
- The common word mata might share its origins with the Latin word for a 'doormat' or 'floormat', specifically 'matta'.
- While arbusto is a general term, Spanish has specific words for shrubs based on their use, such as seto for a shrub used specifically as a hedge.
Examples in context
- La adelfa es un arbusto siempre-verde que no requiere grandes cuidados.The oleander is an evergreen shrub that doesn't require much care.This sentence uses arbusto to describe an evergreen plant.Tatoeba #5959138 by Adelpa, translation #10899600 by Luornu
- Este arbusto tiene flores muy pequeñas.This shrub has very small flowers.
- Plantamos un arbusto nuevo en el jardín.We planted a new shrub in the garden.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are gardening together.
- ElenaJavier, ¿qué es ese arbusto?Javier, what is that shrub?
- JavierEs un arbusto de jazmín.It is a jasmine shrub.
- ElenaHuele muy bien.It smells very good.
- JavierSí, es mi planta favorita.Yes, it is my favorite plant.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shrub” translations and entries arbusto, mata, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arbusto, mata, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
