banquillo
“banquillo” means “the bench” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
the bench
Also: footstool, small stool
📝 In Action
El jugador estrella empezó el partido en el banquillo.
A2The star player started the game on the bench.
Usa un banquillo para alcanzar los libros.
A1Use a small stool to reach the books.
El entrenador siempre está gritando desde el banquillo.
B1The coach is always shouting from the sidelines.
the dock
Also: witness stand
📝 In Action
El acusado se sentó en el banquillo con nerviosismo.
B2The accused sat in the dock nervously.
Muchos políticos han pasado por el banquillo este año.
C1Many politicians have stood trial (sat in the dock) this year.
El banquillo de los acusados estaba vacío.
B2The defendant's dock was empty.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "banquillo" in Spanish:
footstool→small stool→the bench→the dock→witness stand→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: banquillo
Question 1 of 3
If a soccer player is 'en el banquillo', where are they?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Derived from the Spanish word 'banco' (from Germanic 'bank'), plus the diminutive suffix '-illo'. It literally translates to 'little bench'.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'banquillo' different from 'banqueta'?
Yes. While both can mean a stool, 'banqueta' is also the word for 'sidewalk' in Mexico and other countries, while 'banquillo' is specifically for sports or courtrooms.
Can I use 'banquillo' to mean a piggy bank?
No. A piggy bank is a 'hucha' or 'alcancía'. 'Banquillo' only refers to seats.
Why do they call it a 'banquillo' in court if it's just a normal chair?
It's a historical term. In the past, the accused sat on a simple wooden bench while the judges sat on high, decorated seats.