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lata

LAH-tahˈlata

“lata” means “can” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

can

Also: tin
NounfA1
A single, unopened, silver aluminum soda can with a bright red and white label, standing on a simple white surface.

📝 In Action

Compré una lata de atún para la cena.

A1

I bought a can of tuna for dinner.

Por favor, recicla las latas vacías.

A2

Please recycle the empty cans.

Necesitas un abrelatas para esto.

B1

You need a can opener for this.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • envase (container)

Common Collocations

  • lata de refresco – soda can
  • abrelatas – can opener

bother

Also: pain (in the neck), drag
NounfB1informal
Mexico
A cartoon character with a visibly frustrated and annoyed expression, rubbing their temples while a small, persistent mosquito buzzes near their ear.

📝 In Action

¡Qué lata tener que esperar tanto!

B1

What a bother having to wait so long!

Mi hermano me está dando la lata con su música.

B2

My brother is bothering me with his music.

Es una lata tener que llenar todos estos formularios.

B1

It's a hassle having to fill out all these forms.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • dar la lata – to bother / to pester
  • ¡Qué lata! – What a pain!

Idioms & Expressions

  • Estar hasta la lata – To be fed up/sick of something.

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "lata" in Spanish:

bother→can→drag→tin→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: lata

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'lata' to mean 'annoyance'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
latoso(annoying (adjective)) — Adjective
enlatar(to can (preserve food)) — Verb
enlatado(canned (adjective/noun)) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word 'lata' comes from an old Germanic root related to 'latten,' meaning 'tin sheet' or 'metal plate.' It entered Spanish via French. The sense of 'bother' or 'nuisance' developed later, likely due to the loud, annoying noise a metal can makes when dropped or rattled, or perhaps the association with tedious, repetitive work.

First recorded: 15th century (referring to sheet metal)

Cognates (Related words)

French: lattePortuguese: lata

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Frequently Asked Questions

¿Es 'lata' lo mismo que 'bote'?

In many regions, 'lata' specifically refers to a cylindrical metal container (like a soda can or food tin), while 'bote' is a broader term that can mean any small container, jar, or sometimes a plastic can. While often interchangeable, 'lata' guarantees it's metal.

How do I say 'can' when referring to the verb 'to be able to'?

The word 'lata' is only a noun. To say 'I can' (meaning 'I am able to'), you must use a form of the verb 'poder,' such as 'Yo puedo' (I can) or 'Tú puedes' (You can).