arandela
/aɾanˈdela/feminine
The Spanish word for washer (flat annulus) is arandela. If unsure, use arandela. Wiktionary also lists zapata and cuerito.
Meaning: flat annulus (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| arandela | /aɾanˈdela/ | feminine |
| zapata | /θaˈpata/ /saˈpata/ |
feminine |
| cuerito | /kweˈɾito/ | masculine |
The terms for washer depend on whether you are referring to a standard mechanical part, a structural base or a smaller component.
Which one should you use?
arandela is the standard term for a metal or hard washer used in mechanical contexts. zapata is used specifically for a washer or base plate that serves as a structural support or foundation. cuerito is another way to refer to a washer.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the term lavarropas is used to refer to a washing machine.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of arandela is arandelas, the plural form of zapata is zapatas and the plural form of cuerito is cueritos.
How do you pronounce it?
/aɾanˈdela/
Did you know?
- The word zapata is used not only for small washers but also for the massive concrete 'footings' used to support the foundations of entire buildings.
- The word zapata comes from zapato, meaning 'shoe'. This is because the part acts as a structural base that the rest of the mechanism sits on, much like a shoe on a foot.
- The word cuerito can also refer to a small piece of leather or a strip of skin in non-mechanical contexts.
Examples in context
- Antes de atornillar la tuerca, mete una arandela.Before you screw on the nut, put a washer on it.This sentence shows how to use arandela when preparing to screw on a nut.Tatoeba #1244544 by wallebot, translation #1244550 by wallebot
- Por favor, ¿dónde puedo encontrar la lavadora?Excuse me, where can I find the washer?
- Voy a poner la ropa en la máquina de lavar.I'm going to put the clothes in the washer.
- ¿Me ayudas a programar la lavadora automática?Can you help me set up the washer?
- ¿Sabes cómo se usa el lavarropas?Do you know how to use the washing machine?
- Necesito una arandela de metal.I need a metal washer.
- La arandela es demasiado pequeña.The washer is too small.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are fixing a broken garden gate.
- Daniel¿Tienes una arandela para este tornillo?Do you have a washer for this screw?
- LucíaSí, busca en la caja de herramientas.Yes, look in the toolbox.
- DanielNo veo ninguna arandela aquí.I don't see any washer here.
- LucíaDéjame buscarla yo, Daniel.Let me look for it, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “washer” translations and entries arandela, zapata, cuerito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arandela, cuerito, zapata, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
