táper
/ˈtapeɾ/
The English phrase "tupperware" is translated into Spanish as táper.
The word is used to refer to a food-storage container, specifically the container itself rather than just the brand. In casual speech, you may also encounter the colloquial form Tupper or its plural Tuppers.
Meaning: food-storage container (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word táper is a phonetic adaptation of the English brand name 'Tupperware'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While táper is widely used in casual conversation, it is a colloquialism. In formal settings, you should use recipiente para comida, Recipientes Plásticos or Contenedores de Plástico.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, the term is commonly used as un táper to mean a single container.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtapeɾ/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a 'táper' refers not just to the plastic box, but to the entire meal prepared for school or work. You might hear someone say, 'He traído un táper,' meaning they brought their lunch container.
- While táper is common in Spain, speakers in Latin America are more likely to use regional terms like portacomidas or recipiente.
- The word táper is derived from a shortened form of the product invented by Earl Tupper in 1942.
Examples in context
- Podemos utilizar recipientes plásticos para almacenar los alimentos.We can use plastic containers to store the food.
- ¿Me prestas uno de tus tuppers?Can you lend me one of your Tupperware containers?
- ¡Déjame guardar las sobras en los tuppers!Let me put the leftovers in the Tupperware containers!
- Guarda la ensalada en un táper.Keep the salad in a tupperware.
- Necesito un táper para el almuerzo.I need a food container for lunch.
- He perdido mi táper favorito.I have lost my favorite tupperware.
Example conversation
In a kitchen while preparing for work.
- Daniel¿Tienes un táper limpio?Do you have a clean tupperware?
- MaríaSí, hay uno en el armario.Yes, there is one in the cupboard.
- DanielPerfecto, lo usaré para el sándwich.Perfect, I will use it for the sandwich.
- MaríaNo olvides cerrarlo bien.Don't forget to close it well.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry táper, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries táper, CC BY-SA 4.0.
