latas
/LAH-tahs/
cans
Latas are metal containers commonly used for food or drinks.
latas(noun)
cans
?metal containers for food or drinks
,tins
?British English term for metal food containers
sheets of metal
?thin pieces of metal used in construction
,laths
?thin strips of wood used in building
📝 In Action
Tengo tres latas de refresco en la nevera.
A1I have three cans of soda in the fridge.
Reciclamos todas las latas de conserva.
A2We recycle all the food tins.
💡 Grammar Points
Plural forms
This is the plural form of 'lata.' To make it plural, we just add an 's' because it ends in a vowel.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Cans vs. Jars
Mistake: "Using 'latas' for glass containers."
Correction: Use 'latas' only for metal. For glass or plastic, use 'botes' or 'frascos'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Easy shopping
You will see this word on almost every aisle in a Spanish supermarket. Look for 'conservas' to find things in 'latas'.
Latas can refer to nuisances or things that are very annoying.
latas(noun)
nuisances
?things that are annoying or boring
,pains
?figurative for something troublesome
📝 In Action
No me vengas con tus latas ahora.
B2Don't come to me with your annoyances now.
💡 Grammar Points
Abstract Plurals
When used to mean 'annoyances,' the plural form emphasizes that there are multiple bothersome things or a repetitive situation.
⭐ Usage Tips
Setting the Mood
Use this word when you want to sound like a local expressing frustration, but keep it to informal situations with friends.
Latas is also a verb form used when you are covering something with tin.
latas(verb)
you tin
?the action of covering something with tin
,you plate
?applying a thin layer of metal
📝 In Action
Si tú latas el hierro, no se oxidará.
C2If you plate the iron with tin, it won't rust.
💡 Grammar Points
Verb vs. Noun
While 'latas' is almost always a plural noun (cans), it can technically be the 'tú' (you) form of the verb 'latar' (to tin-plate).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusion with Heartbeats
Mistake: "Using 'latas' to mean 'you throb/beat'."
Correction: The verb for a heartbeat is 'latir,' and its 'you' form is 'lates,' not 'latas.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Rarity Alert
You will likely never hear this verb used in conversation. It is included here for completeness, but focus on the 'cans' meaning!
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: latas
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'latas' to refer to objects you find in a kitchen?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'latas' ever used for plastic bottles?
No. 'Latas' is strictly for metal containers. For plastic bottles, use 'botellas' or 'envases de plástico'.
What does someone mean if they say '¡Qué lata!'?
They mean 'What a pain!' or 'How annoying!' It is a very common way to express mild frustration.