lata
/LAH-tah/
can
When referring to a metal container for food or drink, lata means 'can'.
📝 In Action
Compré una lata de atún para la cena.
A1I bought a can of tuna for dinner.
Por favor, recicla las latas vacías.
A2Please recycle the empty cans.
Necesitas un abrelatas para esto.
B1You need a can opener for this.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Rule
Like many Spanish nouns ending in -a, 'lata' is feminine, so you use 'la' or 'una' before it.
⭐ Usage Tips
Compound Noun
A 'can opener' is one word in Spanish: 'abrelatas' (literally, 'opens cans').
Informally, lata can also mean 'bother' or 'annoyance'.
lata(noun)
bother
?annoyance, hassle
pain (in the neck)
?something annoying
,drag
?something tedious or boring
📝 In Action
¡Qué lata tener que esperar tanto!
B1What a bother having to wait so long!
Mi hermano me está dando la lata con su música.
B2My brother is bothering me with his music.
Es una lata tener que llenar todos estos formularios.
B1It's a hassle having to fill out all these forms.
💡 Grammar Points
Verbs for Annoyance
The most common way to use this meaning is with the verb 'dar' (to give): 'dar la lata' means 'to give someone hassle' or 'to annoy them.' This is always used informally.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Literal Translation
Mistake: "Using 'lata' (can) to mean 'I can' (ability)."
Correction: Remember that 'lata' is only a noun. To express ability, use 'poder' (e.g., 'Yo puedo').
⭐ Usage Tips
Informal Complaining
Use '¡Qué lata!' as a quick, informal way to express frustration, similar to 'Ugh, what a drag!' or 'That's annoying!' It's perfect for everyday complaints.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: lata
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'lata' to mean 'annoyance'?
📚 More Resources
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).