cortina
/kor-TEE-nah/
curtain
A 'cortina' is a curtain used to cover a window.
📝 In Action
Cierra la cortina para que no entre el sol.
A1Close the curtain so the sun doesn't come in.
Necesito comprar una cortina nueva para el baño.
A1I need to buy a new curtain for the bathroom.
Las cortinas de la sala son blancas.
A1The living room curtains are white.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
This word is always feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' with it, even if the person using it is a man.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Curtains vs. Blinds
Mistake: "Using 'cortina' for plastic or wooden blinds."
Correction: Use 'persiana' for horizontal or vertical blinds that rotate; 'cortina' is specifically for fabric.
⭐ Usage Tips
Plural vs. Singular
Just like in English, we often use the plural 'las cortinas' when referring to the pair of fabric panels on a single window.
The word 'cortina' can also refer to a screen or barrier that provides privacy.
cortina(noun)
screen
?a metaphorical barrier or covering
,veil
?something that hides something else
wall
?like a 'wall of rain' or 'wall of fire'
📝 In Action
Una cortina de humo ocultó los planes del gobierno.
B2A smoke screen hid the government's plans.
A lo lejos se veía una cortina de lluvia.
B2In the distance, a curtain of rain could be seen.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'De' for Description
To describe what the 'screen' is made of (like smoke or rain), simply add 'de' followed by the substance.
⭐ Usage Tips
Journalistic Use
You will often see 'cortina de humo' in political news to describe a scandal used to distract the public.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cortina
Question 1 of 2
How would you say 'to close the curtains' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'cortina' the same as 'persiana'?
No. 'Cortina' refers to fabric hangings. 'Persiana' refers to blinds made of slats (like Venetian blinds).
What is a 'cortina de baño'?
It is a shower curtain.