copa
/KOH-pah/
glass
Copa can mean a stemmed drinking glass, often used for wine.
copa(noun)
glass
?vessel for drinking, usually stemmed
,goblet
?large drinking cup
wineglass
?specifically for wine
,flute
?specifically for champagne
📝 In Action
Por favor, sírveme agua en esta copa, no en el vaso.
A1Please serve me water in this stemmed glass, not in the regular tumbler.
Ella rompió una copa de cristal por accidente.
A2She accidentally broke a crystal glass.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Check
Remember that 'copa' is always feminine, so you must use 'la copa' or 'una copa', even though it ends in 'a'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Copa vs. Vaso
'Copa' is usually reserved for fancier glasses with a stem (like wine glasses). Use 'vaso' for basic, stemless drinking cups (like water or soda glasses).
When referring to an alcoholic beverage or cocktail, copa means 'drink'.
copa(noun)
drink
?alcoholic beverage/cocktail
,a serving (of alcohol)
?the liquid itself
nightcap
?a drink before bed
📝 In Action
¿Nos quedamos a tomar una copa en el bar de la esquina?
A2Shall we stay and have a drink at the bar on the corner?
Solo tomé una copa de vino, no bebí más.
B1I only had one glass (serving) of wine; I didn't drink more.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Copa' for Socializing
When people say 'Vamos de copas,' they mean 'Let's go out for drinks,' implying an evening of drinking, not just one beverage.
In the context of awards, copa translates to 'trophy'.
copa(noun)
trophy
?award shaped like a cup
,cup
?competition or tournament
championship
?the event itself (e.g., World Cup)
📝 In Action
El equipo de fútbol levantó la copa tras ganar la final.
A2The soccer team lifted the trophy after winning the final.
Ellos jugarán en la Copa Mundial el próximo año.
A2They will play in the World Cup next year.
⭐ Usage Tips
Capitalization in Titles
When referring to specific tournaments like the 'World Cup,' always capitalize 'Copa' (Copa Mundial).
Copa also refers to the leafy crown or canopy of a tree.
copa(noun)
canopy
?the top, leafy part of a tree
,treetop
?the crown of the tree
crown (of a hat)
?the part of a hat that covers the head
📝 In Action
La copa del árbol era tan densa que no dejaba pasar el sol.
B1The tree canopy was so dense that it didn't let the sun through.
Necesitas podar la copa de ese arbusto para que crezca mejor.
B2You need to prune the crown of that bush so it grows better.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
This meaning extends the concept of 'copa' (the rounded top of a drinking vessel) to the rounded top of a tree.
✏️ 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
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.