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copa

KOH-pah/ˈko.pa/

glass, goblet

Also: wineglass, flute
NounfA1
A clear, empty wine glass with a long stem standing on a flat surface.

📝 In Action

Por favor, sírveme agua en esta copa, no en el vaso.

A1

Please serve me water in this stemmed glass, not in the regular tumbler.

Ella rompió una copa de cristal por accidente.

A2

She accidentally broke a crystal glass.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • vaso (drinking glass (general))
  • cáliz (chalice, large cup)

Common Collocations

  • copa de vino – wine glass
  • copa de champán – champagne flute

drink, a serving (of alcohol)

Also: nightcap
NounfA2
Spain
A vibrant red cocktail with a lime wedge garnish sitting in a short glass, implying an alcoholic beverage.

📝 In Action

¿Nos quedamos a tomar una copa en el bar de la esquina?

A2

Shall we stay and have a drink at the bar on the corner?

Solo tomé una copa de vino, no bebí más.

B1

I only had one glass (serving) of wine; I didn't drink more.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • trago (drink, sip (common in Latin America))
  • bebida (beverage)

Common Collocations

  • tomar una copa – to have a drink
  • invitar a una copa – to buy someone a drink

Idioms & Expressions

  • estar de copas – to be out drinking socially

trophy, cup

Also: championship
NounfA2
A large, gleaming gold trophy with two handles sitting on a pedestal, symbolizing victory.

📝 In Action

El equipo de fútbol levantó la copa tras ganar la final.

A2

The soccer team lifted the trophy after winning the final.

Ellos jugarán en la Copa Mundial el próximo año.

A2

They will play in the World Cup next year.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • trofeo (trophy (general))
  • galardón (award, prize)

Common Collocations

  • Copa Mundial – World Cup
  • ganar la copa – to win the cup/trophy

canopy, treetop

Also: crown (of a hat)
NounfB1
A close-up view of the dense, green, rounded canopy of a large tree against a bright blue sky.

📝 In Action

La copa del árbol era tan densa que no dejaba pasar el sol.

B1

The tree canopy was so dense that it didn't let the sun through.

Necesitas podar la copa de ese arbusto para que crezca mejor.

B2

You need to prune the crown of that bush so it grows better.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cima (top, peak)
  • follaje (foliage, leaves)

Common Collocations

  • podar la copa – to prune the canopy

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: copa

Question 1 of 2

Which meaning of 'copa' is used in the phrase: 'Quedamos para tomar la última copa y luego a casa.'

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
copero(cupbearer, glass washer) — Noun
copita(small glass, a little drink) — Noun (diminutive)
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the Late Latin word *cuppa*, which simply meant 'cup' or 'vessel.' This root is also the origin of the English word 'cup.' In Spanish, the meaning branched out from the vessel itself to include the liquid inside (the drink), the award shaped like a vessel (trophy), and anything that looks like a rounded top (a tree canopy).

First recorded: 11th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: coppaFrench: coupeEnglish: cup

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'copa' always mean an alcoholic drink?

No. While it commonly refers to an alcoholic drink, especially in the phrase 'tomar una copa,' you can use it for non-alcoholic drinks served in a stemmed glass, such as a mocktail or a fancy water serving. However, if someone invites you 'a una copa,' they are usually implying an alcoholic beverage.

How do I say 'cup' when referring to a coffee mug or a tea cup?

For hot drinks, you should use 'taza' (mug or teacup). 'Copa' is reserved for glasses, trophies, or tree canopies.