colchón
/kol-CHON/
mattress
Un colchón es una pieza rectangular diseñada para dormir.
colchón(noun)
mattress
?the large rectangular pad for sleeping on
pad
?a thick piece of soft material
📝 In Action
Este colchón es muy cómodo y blando.
A1This mattress is very comfortable and soft.
Necesitamos comprar un colchón nuevo para la cama de invitados.
A2We need to buy a new mattress for the guest bed.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Articles
Since it ends in -ón, it is a masculine word. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Colchón vs. Colchoneta
Mistake: "Using 'colchón' for a yoga mat or a thin camping pad."
Correction: Use 'colchoneta' for thin, portable mats. Use 'colchón' for the thick one on your bed.
⭐ Usage Tips
Spelling Tip
Don't forget the accent mark on the 'ó'! It shows that you should emphasize the last syllable when speaking.
Un colchón también puede referirse a un margen de seguridad o ahorros.
colchón(noun)
cushion
?a financial or time-based safety margin
,buffer
?extra space or money to prevent problems
safety net
?protection against potential loss
📝 In Action
Es bueno tener un colchón de ahorros para las emergencias.
B2It's good to have a cushion of savings for emergencies.
El equipo tiene un colchón de cinco puntos sobre el segundo lugar.
B2The team has a five-point lead (cushion) over second place.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
Just like in English, a 'mattress' protects you from the hard floor. In Spanish, we use it to talk about anything that protects you from a 'hard' situation like losing a job or a game.
⭐ Usage Tips
Natural Phrasing
Use 'colchón de...' followed by what you have extra of, like 'colchón de tiempo' (extra time) or 'colchón de dinero' (extra money).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: colchón
Question 1 of 1
If someone says they have a 'colchón de tiempo,' what do they mean?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Atlético de Madrid fans called 'colchoneros'?
In the past, mattresses in Spain were covered with red and white striped fabric. Since Atlético de Madrid's jersey is red and white striped, people started calling them the 'mattress-makers'.
Is 'colchón' used for an air mattress?
Yes, but you usually specify: 'colchón hinchable' or 'colchón de aire'.