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cofre

KOH-freh/ˈkofɾe/

“cofre” means “chest” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

chest

Also: trunk, coffer
NounmA2
A sturdy wooden chest with metal bands and a large padlock.

📝 In Action

Los piratas escondieron el cofre de oro en la isla.

A2

The pirates hid the chest of gold on the island.

Ella guarda sus fotos antiguas en un cofre de madera.

B1

She keeps her old photos in a wooden chest.

Este cofre tiene una cerradura muy vieja.

A2

This trunk has a very old lock.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • baúl (trunk/large box)
  • arca (ark/large chest)

Common Collocations

  • cofre del tesoro – treasure chest
  • cofre de madera – wooden chest

Idioms & Expressions

  • cofre de monerías – a person who is full of surprises or has many unexpected talents

hood

Also: bonnet
NounmB1
Latin AmericaSpain
The front hood of a bright red car in a closed position.

📝 In Action

Tengo que abrir el cofre para revisar el aceite.

B1

I have to open the hood to check the oil.

Salió humo del cofre del coche.

B1

Smoke came out of the car's hood.

El mecánico cerró el cofre con fuerza.

B1

The mechanic slammed the hood shut.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • capó (car hood)

Common Collocations

  • abrir el cofre – to open the hood

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "cofre" in Spanish:

bonnet→chest→coffer→hood→trunk→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: cofre

Question 1 of 3

If you find a 'cofre' on a pirate ship, what is likely inside?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
cofrecito(little chest) — Noun
cofrecillo(small decorative box) — Noun
encoframiento(casing or framework (in construction)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Derived from the old French word 'coffre,' which comes from the Latin 'cophinus,' meaning 'basket.'

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: coffreEnglish: coffer

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'cofre' the same as 'baúl'?

They are very similar! 'Baúl' usually refers to a larger trunk used for travel or big storage, while 'cofre' often implies something smaller, more secure, or more decorative.

Can I use 'cofre' for a jewelry box?

Yes! A small, decorative 'cofre' is a common way to describe a jewelry box.

If I am in Spain, what should I say instead of 'cofre' for a car?

You should use the word 'capó' for the hood of the car.