manta
“manta” means “blanket” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
blanket
Also: rug, shawl
📝 In Action
Hace frío, ¿puedes traerme una manta del armario?
A1It's cold, can you bring me a blanket from the closet?
Pusimos una manta de picnic en el césped para sentarnos.
A2We put a picnic rug on the grass to sit down.
stingray
Also: ray
📝 In Action
La manta raya es un animal marino fascinante por su forma plana.
B1The stingray is a fascinating marine animal because of its flat shape.
Tuvimos suerte y vimos una manta gigante cerca de la costa.
B2We were lucky and saw a giant ray near the coast.
beating
Also: a huge amount
📝 In Action
Si no haces la tarea, tu madre te va a dar una manta.
B2If you don't do your homework, your mother is going to give you a beating (a thrashing).
En el centro comercial había una manta de gente comprando.
C1There was a huge crowd of people shopping in the mall.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: manta
Question 1 of 2
Which English word best translates 'manta' in the sentence: 'Es la manta más suave que he tocado.'
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Vulgar Latin word *mantum*, meaning 'cloak' or 'covering garment'. It's related to the idea of a flat, protective layer.
First recorded: Around the 13th century in Spanish texts.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'manta' a regional word, or is it understood everywhere?
The meaning 'blanket' is understood everywhere in the Spanish-speaking world. However, in some Latin American countries, the synonym 'cobija' is more commonly used for a bed blanket.
How do I know if 'manta' means 'blanket' or 'stingray'?
Context is key! If the sentence mentions cold, furniture, or sleeping, it means 'blanket.' If the sentence mentions the ocean, diving, or marine life, it means 'stingray' (or 'manta raya').