lecho
“lecho” means “bed” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
bed
Also: deathbed
📝 In Action
El guerrero descansaba en su lecho de piedra.
B2The warrior rested on his stone bed.
El anciano se despidió de su familia en su lecho de muerte.
B2The old man said goodbye to his family on his deathbed.
bed
Also: floor
📝 In Action
El lecho del río estaba cubierto de piedras lisas.
B2The riverbed was covered with smooth stones.
Muchos tesoros se esconden en el lecho marino.
B2Many treasures are hidden on the seabed.
bed, layer
📝 In Action
Sirve el pescado sobre un lecho de verduras.
C1Serve the fish on a bed of vegetables.
Las semillas necesitan un lecho de tierra fértil.
C1The seeds need a bed of fertile soil.
Vocabulary Collections
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: lecho
Question 1 of 2
If you are writing a formal poem about a king resting, which word is most appropriate?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'lectus', which simply meant 'bed' or 'couch'. It shares the same root as the English word 'litter' (in the sense of a stretcher or bed used to carry someone).
First recorded: 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'lecho' to mean a bed in a hotel?
Technically yes, but it would sound very strange. You should use 'cama' for any normal sleeping arrangement.
Is 'lecho' used in the plural?
Yes, 'lechos' exists, but it is much less common than the singular form unless describing multiple riverbeds.