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estante

es-TAHN-teh/esˈtante/

“estante” means “shelf” in Spanish (a single horizontal surface for holding objects).

shelf

Also: rack, ledge
NounmA1
SpainLatin America
A single wooden shelf mounted on a plain wall, holding a small potted plant and a few colorful books.

📝 In Action

El libro está en el estante de arriba.

A1

The book is on the top shelf.

Necesitamos comprar más estantes para la cocina.

A2

We need to buy more shelves for the kitchen.

El estante de madera es más resistente que el de plástico.

B1

The wooden shelf is more sturdy than the plastic one.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • balda (shelf (commonly used in Spain))
  • repisa (ledge or shelf (commonly used in Latin America))

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • estante de libros – bookshelf
  • estante flotante – floating shelf
  • limpiar los estantes – to clean the shelves

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "estante" in Spanish:

ledge→rack→shelf→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: estante

Question 1 of 3

Which of these means 'the shelves' (plural)?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
estantería(shelving unit / bookcase) — Noun
estantillo(small post or support) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'stans', which means 'standing'. It relates to the verb 'estar' (to be/to stay) because a shelf is a standing or fixed support for objects.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: stanceFrench: étage

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I say 'bookshelf'?

You can say 'estante de libros' for one shelf of books, but for the whole piece of furniture, it is better to use 'estantería' or 'librero'.

Is 'estante' ever feminine?

No, 'estante' is always masculine (el estante), even though some other words ending in -e can be feminine.

Can I use 'estante' for a fridge shelf?

Yes! Any horizontal surface inside a piece of furniture meant for holding things can be called an 'estante'.