cortinas
kor-TEE-nas
π In Action
Necesito unas cortinas nuevas para mi dormitorio.
A1I need some new curtains for my bedroom.
Las cortinas rojas bloquean muy bien la luz del sol.
A1The red curtains block the sunlight very well.
Por favor, corre las cortinas; me molesta el brillo.
A2Please draw the curtains; the glare is bothering me.
π‘ Grammar Points
Feminine Plural Noun
Since 'cortinas' is a feminine plural noun, it always uses the article 'las' (the) and any adjectives describing them must also be feminine and plural (e.g., 'cortinas largas' - long curtains).
Singular vs. Plural
The singular form is 'cortina' (one curtain panel), but in general conversation, people usually refer to the set of window coverings using the plural 'cortinas'.
β Common Pitfalls
Gender Confusion
Mistake: "Using the masculine article: 'Los cortinas'."
Correction: Always use the feminine article: 'Las cortinas'. Remember, the singular form 'cortina' ends in -a, which is a strong hint that it is feminine.
β Usage Tips
Using 'Correr'
To say 'open the curtains' or 'close the curtains,' Spanish speakers often use the verb 'correr' (to run/move): 'correr las cortinas' means to move them aside or together.
βοΈ Quick Practice
π‘ Quick Quiz: cortinas
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly describes the color of the curtains?
π More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'cortinas' and 'persianas'?
'Cortinas' refers to fabric window coverings (curtains or drapes) that hang down. 'Persianas' refers to blinds, which are typically made of slats of wood, metal, or plastic that can be tilted or pulled up.
Is 'cortina' or 'cortinas' more common?
While 'cortina' is the singular form, the plural 'cortinas' is much more common because most windows have two panels or the word is used to refer to the set of coverings as a whole.