latas
“latas” means “cans” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
cans, tins
Also: sheets of metal, laths
📝 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.
nuisances, pains
📝 In Action
No me vengas con tus latas ahora.
B2Don't come to me with your annoyances now.
you tin, you plate
📝 In Action
Si tú latas el hierro, no se oxidará.
C2If you plate the iron with tin, it won't rust.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: latas
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'latas' to refer to objects you find in a kitchen?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'latta,' which meant a thin stick or lath. Over time, it came to describe thin sheets of metal and eventually the containers made from them.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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.