butaca
“butaca” means “armchair” in Spanish (home furniture).
armchair, theater seat
Also: seat
📝 In Action
Me gusta sentarme en la butaca para ver la televisión.
A1I like to sit in the armchair to watch television.
Nuestras butacas están en la quinta fila del cine.
A2Our seats are in the fifth row of the cinema.
La obra fue un éxito y no quedaba ni una butaca libre.
B1The play was a success and there wasn't a single seat left.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: butaca
Question 1 of 3
Where are you most likely to find a 'butaca'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
An interesting mix! It comes from the Cumanagoto word (an indigenous language from Venezuela) 'putaca', which described a type of seat. It entered Spanish through French 'boutaque'.
First recorded: 18th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'sillón' and 'butaca'?
They are very similar! 'Sillón' is almost always for home use (a big armchair). 'Butaca' can be for home, but it is the specific word used for seats in theaters and cinemas.
Can I use 'butaca' for a car seat?
Usually no. For car seats, Spanish speakers prefer the word 'asiento'.
Is 'butaca' used in all Spanish-speaking countries?
Yes, it is understood everywhere, though some regions might prefer 'asiento' for general seating.