armario
/ar-MAH-ree-oh/
wardrobe
This is an armario used as a wardrobe, a large piece of furniture specifically designed for storing clothes.
armario(noun)
wardrobe
?Freestanding furniture for clothes
,closet
?Built-in space for clothes
press
?UK English term for a large cupboard
📝 In Action
Necesito colgar mi vestido en el armario nuevo.
A1I need to hang my dress in the new wardrobe.
¿Dónde está la llave del armario?
A1Where is the closet key?
El armario de mi abuela es muy antiguo y huele a naftalina.
A2My grandmother's wardrobe is very old and smells like mothballs.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Rule
Even though it ends in '-o', 'armario' is a masculine noun. This means you always use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) before it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'armario' and 'cajón'
Mistake: "Poner la ropa en el cajón (Putting clothes in the drawer) when meaning the whole wardrobe."
Correction: Use 'armario' for the large piece of furniture, and 'cajón' for a single drawer that slides out.
⭐ Usage Tips
Regional Differences
In Spain, 'armario' is standard. In parts of Latin America, you might hear 'ropero' or the English loanword 'clóset' used more often for clothes storage.
A smaller cabinet, like this kitchen cupboard, is also referred to as an armario when used for general storage.
armario(noun)
cupboard
?General storage cabinet, e.g., kitchen or laundry room
,cabinet
?Storage unit with shelves and doors (office, garage)
locker
?Small personal storage unit (e.g., at a gym or school)
📝 In Action
Guarda los platos limpios en el armario de la cocina.
A2Put the clean dishes away in the kitchen cupboard.
Necesitamos un armario para guardar los archivos de la oficina.
B1We need a cabinet to store the office files.
💡 Grammar Points
Context is Key
When you hear 'armario,' listen for the location. If it's in a bedroom, it means 'wardrobe.' If it's in a kitchen, it means 'cupboard' for dishes or food.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: armario
Question 1 of 2
Which Spanish word is the most specific synonym for a wardrobe used only for clothes?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'armario' masculine or feminine?
'Armario' is masculine. Always use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) before it. (e.g., 'el armario grande').
What is the difference between 'armario' and 'cajón'?
An 'armario' is the whole piece of furniture (like a closet or cupboard). A 'cajón' is just one of the drawers that slides in and out of the 'armario' or another piece of furniture.