copas
“copas” means “drinks” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
drinks, a round of drinks
Also: nightcap
📝 In Action
¿Vamos a tomar unas copas después del trabajo?
A2Shall we go for some drinks after work?
Siempre salimos de copas los viernes.
B1We always go out for drinks on Fridays.
glasses
Also: wine glasses
📝 In Action
Por favor, pon las copas de vino en la mesa.
A1Please put the wine glasses on the table.
Se rompieron tres copas durante la fiesta.
A2Three glasses broke during the party.
canopy, crown
Also: tree top
📝 In Action
Las copas de los árboles daban mucha sombra.
B1The tree canopies provided a lot of shade.
El viento movía las copas de los pinos suavemente.
B2The wind moved the crowns of the pine trees gently.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: copas
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'copas' is used when planning a social outing with friends?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Vulgar Latin *cuppa*, meaning 'cup' or 'vessel.' This root is also the origin of English words like 'cup' and 'goblet.' The sense of 'tree crown' developed because of the rounded, cup-like shape of the foliage.
First recorded: 13th century (as 'copa')
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'copas' and 'vasos'?
'Copas' usually refers to glasses that have a stem or base, like wine glasses or cocktail glasses. 'Vasos' are regular tumblers or drinking cups without a stem.
Does 'copas' always mean alcohol?
Not always, but when used in the context of 'ir de copas' (going out for drinks), it almost always implies alcoholic beverages consumed socially, typically late in the evening.