bata
/BAH-tah/
dressing gown
The Spanish word bata refers to a cozy dressing gown, often worn for warmth over pajamas.
bata(noun)
dressing gown
?worn over pajamas
,bathrobe
?worn after bathing
robe
?general term for a loose garment
📝 In Action
Me puse la bata antes de bajar a desayunar.
A2I put on my dressing gown before going down for breakfast.
Esta bata de toalla es muy suave después de una ducha caliente.
B1This towel bathrobe is very soft after a hot shower.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Even though 'bata' ends in '-a', remember that Spanish uses the female article 'la' and female adjectives with it (e.g., 'la bata blanca').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Robes
Mistake: "Using 'bata' when specifically referring to a heavy, absorbent towel robe."
Correction: While 'bata' works, 'albornoz' is the more specific and common word for a heavy, toweling bathrobe used immediately after swimming or showering.
⭐ Usage Tips
Casual Wear
'Bata' generally implies a cozy, casual garment worn at home, unlike a formal 'traje' (suit) or 'vestido' (dress).
Bata also translates to a lab coat, typically worn by professionals in scientific or medical fields.
bata(noun)
lab coat
?for science or medicine
,smock
?for painting or crafts
surgical gown
?medical setting
📝 In Action
Todos los estudiantes deben usar la bata en el laboratorio.
B1All students must wear the lab coat in the laboratory.
El médico se puso su bata blanca antes de empezar la operación.
B2The doctor put on his white coat before starting the operation.
💡 Grammar Points
Context is Key
When talking about work or school, 'bata' almost always means a protective outer layer, like a lab coat or smock, rather than a soft robe.
⭐ Usage Tips
Bata vs. Abrigo
A 'bata' is a light garment worn over your clothes for protection, not a heavy coat ('abrigo') worn for warmth outside.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: bata
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'bata' in its professional context?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'bata' the same as 'albornoz'?
They are very similar! 'Bata' is the general term for a loose gown or robe (for home or work). 'Albornoz' is specifically used for a heavy, absorbent toweling robe, usually worn after a bath or swimming.
Can 'bata' ever be masculine?
No, 'bata' is always a feminine noun. However, the related word 'batín' (meaning a specific type of man's dressing gown) is masculine.