vaporera
/bapoˈɾeɾa/feminine
The English word 'steamer' (referring to a cooking appliance) is vaporera in Spanish. Wiktionary also lists olla vaporera.
Meaning: cooking appliance (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vaporera | /bapoˈɾeɾa/ | feminine |
| olla vaporera | /oʝa bapoɾeɾa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
What does it mean word for word?
The word vaporera is derived from vapor, meaning 'steam', combined with the suffix '-era', which denotes a tool or container used for a specific purpose.
Which one should you use?
vaporera is the more common, concise way to refer to the appliance itself. In contrast, olla vaporera specifically refers to a steamer pot.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, especially Mexico, a steamer is commonly referred to as olla vaporera.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural 'steamers', use vaporeras.
How do you pronounce it?
/bapoˈɾeɾa/
Did you know?
- While vaporera describes the appliance, the Spanish word vapor is also used to describe a steam-powered ship, which is called a vapor.
- In Mexico, the vaporera is the essential tool for making tamales, where the batter is steamed in large batches to create a spongy texture.
- The suffix -era in vaporera is used for many tools, such as salera for a 'salt shaker' and azucarera for a 'sugar bowl'.
Examples in context
- Para cocinar de manera saludable, es recomendable utilizar una vaporeraTo cook in a healthy way, it is advisable to use a steamer
- El ingeniero controla la máquina de vaporThe engineer controls the steam engine
- Voy a cocinar tamales en la olla vaporeraI'm going to cook tamales in the steamer pot
- Me gusta cocinar al vapor para mantener los nutrientes. Utilizo mi vaporera para hacerloI like to steam cook to preserve nutrients. I use my steamer to do it
- Necesito una vaporera para las verduras.I need a steamer for the vegetables.
- La vaporera está limpia y lista.The steamer is clean and ready.
- ¿Dónde pusiste la vaporera de bambú?Where did you put the bamboo steamer?
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are preparing a healthy dinner in their kitchen.
- LucíaMateo, ¿puedes sacar la vaporera del armario?Mateo, can you get the steamer out of the cupboard?
- MateoClaro, Lucía, ¿la usaremos para el pescado?Sure, Lucía, will we use it for the fish?
- LucíaSí, quiero cocinarlo en la vaporera.Yes, I want to cook it in the steamer.
- MateoPerfecto, es una idea muy sana.Perfect, it's a very healthy idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “steamer” translations and entries vaporera, 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.
