Inklingo
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estrado

/ess-TRAH-doh/

bench

A sturdy wooden judge's bench elevated on a small platform in an empty courtroom setting.

An estrado can refer specifically to a judge's bench in a courtroom.

estrado(noun)

mB2

bench

?

judge's bench in a courtroom

,

tribunal

?

the physical area where the judges sit

Also:

court dais

?

legal setting

📝 In Action

El abogado se dirigió directamente al juez, que estaba sentado en el estrado.

B2

The lawyer addressed the judge directly, who was seated on the bench.

Todos los ojos estaban fijos en el estrado esperando la sentencia.

C1

All eyes were fixed on the court dais awaiting the sentence.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • tribunal (tribunal)
  • estrado judicial (judicial bench)

Common Collocations

  • subir al estrado – to approach the bench (or take the stand, depending on context)
  • el estrado del juez – the judge's bench

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Noun

Estrado is always masculine, so it uses the articles 'el' (the) or 'un' (a). You would say 'el estrado' or 'un estrado grande'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Gender Confusion

Mistake: "Using 'la estrado' instead of 'el estrado'."

Correction: Since 'estrado' ends in -o, it is masculine: 'el estrado'. Remember this pattern for most Spanish nouns ending in -o.

⭐ Usage Tips

Context is Key

When used in a legal setting, 'estrado' specifically refers to the raised platform where the judges or magistrates sit, not the witness stand (which is 'el banquillo').

A simple, empty square wooden platform or stage illuminated by a soft light, ready for a speaker or performer.

Another meaning of estrado is a raised platform for speaking or performing.

estrado(noun)

mB1

platform

?

raised area for speaking or performing

,

dais

?

a small, low stage

Also:

rostrum

?

formal public speaking

📝 In Action

El director dio su discurso desde un pequeño estrado en el centro del salón.

B1

The director gave his speech from a small platform in the center of the hall.

Colocaron el micrófono sobre el estrado antes de la conferencia.

B2

They placed the microphone on the dais before the conference.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • tarima (platform/stage)
  • podio (podium/stand)

Common Collocations

  • un estrado de honor – a dais of honor (for special guests)

⭐ Usage Tips

Platform vs. Stage

While 'plataforma' is a general term for 'platform,' 'estrado' usually implies a smaller, more formal or temporary raised area, often just big enough for one or two speakers, unlike a large 'escenario' (stage) for a concert.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: estrado

Question 1 of 1

Which of these objects would you find on the 'estrado' in a modern courtroom?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

estrado(furnished with a dais (archaic)) - adjective
estradar(to furnish with a dais or mat (archaic)) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'estrado' and 'escenario'?

'Escenario' is the general word for a large stage, like the one used for a theater performance or concert. 'Estrado' is usually a smaller, more formal raised platform, often specifically for speaking, presenting, or for judicial figures.

Can 'estrado' refer to the witness stand?

No, typically 'estrado' refers to the judge's bench or the general dais for the court officials. The witness stand is usually called 'el banquillo de los testigos' or 'el estrado de los testigos' (less common, but specific).