utensilio
general
The general word is utensilio, and it is the same in Mexico as elsewhere. For knife, fork and spoon at the table, Mexicans say cubiertos. Pots, plates and the like are called trastes in Mexico.
Meaning: tool used in the kitchen or at the table (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| utensilio | general |
| cubiertos | cutlery |
| trastes | Mexico, kitchenware |
Utensilios de cocina covers spatulas, ladles and similar tools. Cubiertos is only for table cutlery.
Which one should you use?
The Mexican trastes refers to dishes and cookware in general, as in lavar los trastes for "do the dishes". In other places trastes can sound like furniture or junk.
How does it change in a sentence?
Utensilio is masculine: un utensilio, los utensilios.
Did you know?
- In Mexican homes lavar los trastes is the standard phrase for washing dishes.
Examples in context
- Compré utensilios de cocina nuevos.I bought new kitchen utensils.
- Faltan los cubiertos en la mesa.The cutlery is missing on the table.
- Voy a lavar los trastes.I am going to do the dishes.
Example conversation
Mónica and her husband Iván set the table for guests.
- MónicaFaltan los cubiertos, ¿los traes?The cutlery is missing, can you bring it?
- IvánSí, voy por ellos.Yes, I will go get it.
- MónicaY también la cuchara grande para el arroz.And also the big spoon for the rice.
- IvánYa traigo todos los utensilios.I am bringing all the utensils now.
