armario
/aɾˈmaɾjo/masculine
The English phrase wardrobe is translated into Spanish as armario. Wiktionary also lists ropero and clóset.
Meaning: movable furniture for storing clothes (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| armario | /aɾˈmaɾjo/ | masculine |
| ropero | /roˈpeɾo/ | masculine |
| clóset | /ˈkloset/ | masculine |
| escaparate | /eskapaˈɾate/ | masculine |
| placard | /plakaɾd/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| alacena | /alaˈθena/ /alaˈsena/ |
feminine |
The term refers to movable furniture for storing clothes. armario is a general term for any cabinet or cupboard used for storage.
Which one should you use?
Alacena refers specifically to a cupboard or pantry used for food and kitchen supplies. Do not use escaparate to mean a wardrobe. It refers to a display window in a store.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, Central America and parts of South America, the term clóset is used to refer to a wardrobe. In Argentina and Uruguay, ropero is a term used to refer to a wardrobe.
How do you pronounce it?
/aɾˈmaɾjo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often assume armario only means clothes wardrobe, but it is a general term for any cabinet or cupboard used for storage.
Did you know?
- The word armario comes from the Latin word for 'arms' or 'weapons'. Originally, it referred to a chest used specifically for storing armor.
- In historical Spanish contexts, an armario was often a heavy, locked piece of furniture used in churches to keep sacred vessels.
- In some Latin American countries, using armario instead of clóset can sound overly formal or dated, as if describing a piece of antique furniture.
Examples in context
- Necesito un nuevo armario.I need a new wardrobe.This sentence is useful for expressing the need for a new piece of furniture.Tatoeba #5352585 by albrusgher, translation #3818709 by CK
- Las llaves están en el armario.The keys are in the wardrobe.This sentence is useful for describing the location of an object inside a wardrobe.Tatoeba #10844355 by Shishir, translation #2764055 by shekitten
- Te los pusimos encima del armario.We put them on top of the wardrobe.This sentence is useful for describing an object placed on top of a wardrobe.Tatoeba #11149343 by JSKabylie, translation #11149344 by DJ_Saidez
- No encuentro mi chaqueta, ¿estará en el guardarropa?I can't find my jacket, maybe it's in the wardrobe.
- Tengo demasiada ropa en el guardarropa, necesito hacer espacio.I have too much clothing in the wardrobe, I need to make some room.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are moving into a new apartment.
- MaríaEl armario es muy pequeño.The wardrobe is very small.
- AlejandroTienes razón, María.You are right, María.
- María¿Podemos comprar otro armario?Can we buy another wardrobe?
- AlejandroSí, buscaremos uno mejor hoy.Yes, we will look for a better one today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wardrobe” translations and entries armario, ropero, clóset, escaparate, alacena, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries armario, clóset, escaparate, ropero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
