Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tienda | /ˈtjenda/ | feminine |
| toldo | /ˈtoldo/ | masculine |
| carpa | /ˈkaɾpa/ | feminine |
The term refers to a portable lodge or shelter. Note that tienda is also the common word for a shop or a store, so the context of your conversation is necessary to distinguish a tent from a retail establishment.
Which one should you use?
tienda is a general term, but it can be confused with a retail store. To specify a camping tent and avoid this confusion, speakers in Spain often use the phrase tienda de campaña. In contrast, toldo refers to an awning, canopy or sunshade rather than a portable shelter you sleep in.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many parts of Latin America, carpa is the standard word for a camping tent. In Spain, the specific phrase tienda de campaña is commonly used to specify a camping tent.
How does it change in a sentence?
tienda and carpa are feminine nouns, while toldo is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtjenda/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word carpa is a homonym that can also mean a 'carp' fish.
- The term tienda de campaña literally translates to 'tent of campaign', reflecting the historical use of tents by military armies.
- While carpa means a tent in many Latin American countries, in Spain it more commonly refers to a large marquee or a circus tent.
Examples in context
- Dormimos en una carpa.We slept in a tent.This sentence is useful for describing where you slept using the form carpa.Tatoeba #1519529 by hayastan, translation #248214 by CK
- ¿Cuán a menudo usas tu carpa?How often do you use your tent?This sentence is useful for asking about the frequency of use for a tent using the form carpa.Tatoeba #7305381 by ecorralest101, translation #7302940 by CK
- ¿Tienes sitio para una tienda?Do you have room for a tent?This sentence is useful for asking about available space using the form tienda.Tatoeba #10281428 by manufrutos, translation #10276818 by CK
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are preparing for a camping trip in the mountains.
- DanielNecesitamos una tienda nueva.We need a new tent.
- LucíaYo puedo comprar la tienda.I can buy the tent.
- DanielGracias, Lucía, eres muy amable.Thanks, Lucía, you are very kind.
- LucíaDe nada, Daniel, será divertido.You're welcome, Daniel, it will be fun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tent” translations and entries tienda, toldo, carpa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
