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alfombra

ahl-FOHM-brah/alˈfom.bɾa/

“alfombra” means “carpet” in Spanish (floor covering, wall-to-wall).

carpet, rug

Also: mat
NounfA1
Mexico
A brightly colored rectangular rug with geometric patterns resting on a light wooden floor.

📝 In Action

Compramos una alfombra nueva para la sala de estar.

A1

We bought a new rug for the living room.

La alfombra persa es muy cara y tiene muchos detalles.

A2

The Persian carpet is very expensive and has a lot of detail.

Limpié la alfombra después de que se me cayera el café.

A2

I cleaned the carpet after I dropped the coffee.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • tapete (small rug/mat)
  • estera (mat (often woven/straw))

Common Collocations

  • poner una alfombra – to lay/put down a carpet
  • enrollar la alfombra – to roll up the rug
  • alfombra roja – red carpet

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "alfombra" in Spanish:

carpet→mat→rug→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: alfombra

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'alfombra'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
alfombrar(to carpet (verb)) — Verb
alfombrilla(small mat (like a car floor mat)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
sombraescombra
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from Arabic, which is common for many Spanish words starting with 'al-'. It is derived from the Arabic word *al-ḥumra* or related terms for woven textiles, showing its deep historical connection to Moorish culture in Spain.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: alfombraCatalan: catifa

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I say 'to vacuum the carpet'?

You would use the verb 'aspirar' (to vacuum). For example: 'Necesito aspirar la alfombra' (I need to vacuum the carpet).

Is 'alfombra' the same as 'tapete'?

They are very similar! 'Alfombra' is the general term for both large fitted carpets and area rugs. 'Tapete' usually refers specifically to a smaller rug or mat, like a doormat or bath mat.