cubertería
/kubeɾteˈɾia/
The English phrase "silverware" is translated into Spanish as cubertería.
Cubertería refers to the collective set of knives, forks and spoons used for eating. If you are actually referring to plates and bowls rather than the utensils, you should use vajilla instead.
Meaning: (US) knives, forks and spoons (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word cubertería is derived from cubierto, which means a single piece of cutlery.
Which one should you use?
While cubertería refers to the concept or the set of silverware, the word cubiertos is used when referring to the individual pieces of cutlery.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, cubertería is used to refer to a silverware set. In Mexico, the word trastes is used colloquially to refer to silverware and other kitchen utensils.
How does it change in a sentence?
Cubertería is a singular noun in Spanish, even though it refers to a collection of items.
How do you pronounce it?
/kubeɾteˈɾia/
Did you know?
- The word cubierto can also be used as an adjective meaning 'covered' or 'included', such as when a meal is 'included' in a hotel price.
- While cubertería describes the set, the suffix -ería is also used in Spanish to name the shop that sells the items. Thus, a store selling silverware is also called a cubertería.
- The root of cubertería traces back to the Latin word coopertus, meaning 'covered'.
Examples in context
- Por favor, trae los cubiertos para la cena.Please bring the silverware for dinner.
- Asegúrate de limpiar bien los utensilios de mesa después de cada comida.Make sure to clean the silverware thoroughly after each meal.
- Pasame los cubiertos, por favor.Pass me the silverware, please.
- Necesitaré cucharas y tenedores para el postre de esta noche.I will need spoons and forks for tonight's dessert.
- La cubertería que compramos es de muy buena calidad.The silverware set we bought is of very good quality.
- Espera a que todos tengan sus cubiertosWait until everyone has their silverware
- Necesito poner la cubertería sobre la mesa.I need to put the silverware on the table.
- ¿Dónde guardan la cubertería en este restaurante?Where do they keep the silverware in this restaurant?
- La cubertería está limpia y lista para usar.The silverware is clean and ready to use.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are preparing for a dinner party at home.
- SofíaDaniel, ¿puedes sacar la cubertería del cajón?Daniel, can you take the silverware out of the drawer?
- DanielSí, Sofía, ¿cuántos tenedores necesito?Yes, Sofía, how many forks do I need?
- SofíaTrae la cubertería completa para diez personas.Bring the complete silverware for ten people.
- DanielPerfecto, ya la tengo lista.Perfect, I have it ready now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cubertería, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cubertería, CC BY-SA 4.0.
