Inklingo
← Dictionary
A cartoon character is shown relaxing happily in a bright red beach chair beneath a large green palm tree on a sunny yellow sand beach, visually proving their location.

coartada

ko-ar-TAH-dah

nounfB1
alibi?legal defense; proof of being elsewhere
Also:excuse?general justification or pretext,cover story?informal

📝 In Action

El detective verificó la coartada del sospechoso.

B1

The detective verified the suspect's alibi.

Necesitas una coartada sólida si quieres convencer al jefe.

B2

You need a solid excuse if you want to convince the boss.

Su coartada era que estaba durmiendo en casa de su abuela.

B1

His alibi was that he was sleeping at his grandmother's house.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • excusa (excuse)
  • justificación (justification)
  • pretexto (pretext)

Common Collocations

  • una coartada perfecta – a perfect alibi
  • tener coartada – to have an alibi
  • desmontar la coartada – to dismantle the alibi

💡 Grammar Points

Always Feminine

Even though it ends in '-a', remember that 'coartada' is a feminine noun, so you always use 'la' or 'una' before it (e.g., 'la coartada').

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Alibi' and 'Excuse'

Mistake: "Using 'coartada' only for minor excuses, when it often implies a formal defense (being literally elsewhere)."

Correction: Use 'excusa' for a simple reason why you are late. Reserve 'coartada' for a more formal, often fabricated, justification or a true alibi in a serious situation.

⭐ Usage Tips

Use with 'Sólida'

The most common adjective used with 'coartada' is 'sólida' (solid) to describe an alibi that is strong and believable.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: coartada

Question 1 of 1

If someone is asking for your 'coartada' in a serious context, what are they looking for?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

coartar(to restrict / to coerce) - verb
testigo(witness) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'coartada' only used for crimes?

No. While its primary meaning is the legal 'alibi,' it is very often used figuratively to mean any strong or convenient excuse you use to justify your actions or avoid responsibility, like saying you were 'too busy' to help.