carpintero
“carpintero” means “carpenter” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
carpenter
Also: woodworker
📝 In Action
Mi tío es carpintero y hace muebles preciosos.
A1My uncle is a carpenter and makes beautiful furniture.
Necesitamos contratar a un carpintero para arreglar el armario.
A2We need to hire a carpenter to fix the closet.
El carpintero usó madera de roble para la mesa.
B1The carpenter used oak wood for the table.
woodpecker
📝 In Action
Escuché un carpintero golpeando el árbol.
B1I heard a woodpecker tapping the tree.
El carpintero tiene plumas rojas en la cabeza.
B2The woodpecker has red feathers on its head.
Vimos varios carpinteros durante nuestra caminata por el bosque.
B2We saw several woodpeckers during our hike through the forest.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: carpintero
Question 1 of 3
If you want to say 'He is a carpenter,' which is the most natural Spanish translation?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'carpentarius', which referred to a maker of horse-drawn carriages (carpentum). Over time, the meaning expanded to include anyone who works with wood.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can 'carpintero' refer to someone who builds houses?
Yes, but usually in the context of the wooden structures (frames, floors). For the general builder, you might use 'albañil' (mason/construction worker).
Is the 'pájaro carpintero' always masculine?
In grammar, yes. Even if the bird is female, the species name is 'el carpintero' or 'el pájaro carpintero'. If you must specify the bird's sex, you would say 'el carpintero hembra'.
What is the difference between a carpintero and an ebanista?
A carpintero works on general construction like doors and frames, while an ebanista is a specialist who makes fine furniture or cabinets.