lona
/ˈlona/
The Spanish word for tarp is lona.
In Spanish you express this action by using the phrase cubrir con una lona, which literally means "to cover with a tarp".
Meaning: to cover something with a tarpaulin (verb)
Which one should you use?
You can use the synonym toldo.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlona/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, the word lona is used in boxing to describe the floor of the ring, and a fighter who is 'on the canvas' is said to be en la lona.
- The word lona actually traces its roots back to the French coastal town of Olonne, which was once famous for its linen production.
- The word lona is also used to describe the heavy canvas fabric used in sneakers, such as classic Converse shoes, rather than just industrial coverings.
Examples in context
- Necesitamos una lona resistente para cubrir los materiales de construcción.We need a sturdy tarp to cover the construction materials.
- La cubierta plástica protegerá los muebles de la lluvia.The plastic tarp will protect the furniture from the rain.
- Trae el plástico para cubrir las cosas antes de que empiece a llover.Bring the tarp to cover things before it starts raining.
- Vamos a utilizar tela plástica para armar el toldo.We're going to use a tarp to set up the awning.
- Hay que lonar la madera para que no se moje.The wood needs to be tarped so it doesn't get wet.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are preparing the garden for a storm.
- MateoElena, ¿ayudas a lona los muebles del patio?Elena, will you help me tarp the patio furniture?
- ElenaSí, Mateo. ¿Dónde está la lona?Yes, Mateo. Where is the tarp?
- MateoEstá en el garaje, junto a las herramientas.It's in the garage, next to the tools.
- ElenaPerfecto, voy a buscarla ahora mismo.Perfect, I'll go look for it right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lona, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lona, CC BY-SA 4.0.
