Inklingo
← Dictionary

arbusto

ar-BOOS-toh/aɾˈβusto/

“arbusto” means “shrub” in Spanish (gardening and landscaping).

shrub, bush

Also: thicket
NounmA2
A lush, green, rounded shrub growing in a garden with small leaves and a woody base.

📝 In Action

Hay un arbusto con flores rojas frente a la casa.

A1

There is a shrub with red flowers in front of the house.

Necesitamos podar los arbustos del jardín este fin de semana.

A2

We need to trim the bushes in the garden this weekend.

El conejo se escondió rápidamente detrás de un arbusto espeso.

B1

The rabbit quickly hid behind a thick bush.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • mata (small bush/shrub)
  • matorral (thicket/bushes)

Antonyms

  • árbol (tree)
  • hierba (grass/herb)

Common Collocations

  • arbusto ornamental – decorative shrub
  • podar un arbusto – to trim a bush
  • arbusto espinoso – thorny bush

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "arbusto" in Spanish:

bush→shrub→thicket→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: arbusto

Question 1 of 3

Which of these is the most likely height for an 'arbusto'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
árbol(tree) — Noun
arbustivo(shrub-like) — Adjective
arboleda(grove of trees) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'arbustum', which meant a place where trees are planted. It comes from 'arbor', the word for tree.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: arboristPortuguese: arbusto

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'arbusto' the same as 'mata'?

They are very similar. 'Arbusto' is a bit more formal or technical, while 'mata' is often used for smaller plants or herbs, but people often use them interchangeably.

How do I say 'a row of bushes' (a hedge)?

While you can say 'una fila de arbustos', the specific word for a hedge is 'seto'.

Can 'arbusto' be used figuratively?

Not really. Unlike 'árbol' (used in family trees), 'arbusto' is almost always used literally to describe the physical plant.