Inklingo
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manta

/MAHN-tah/

blanket

A cozy, colorful patterned blanket neatly folded on a simple wooden bench, ready for use.

Manta as a blanket (for warmth or bedding).

manta(noun)

fA1

blanket

?

for warmth or bedding

Also:

rug

?

small, decorative floor covering

,

shawl

?

large, woven garment (less common, often 'mantón')

📝 In Action

Hace frío, ¿puedes traerme una manta del armario?

A1

It's cold, can you bring me a blanket from the closet?

Pusimos una manta de picnic en el césped para sentarnos.

A2

We put a picnic rug on the grass to sit down.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cobija (blanket (common in Latin America))
  • colcha (bedspread)

Common Collocations

  • manta eléctrica – electric blanket
  • echarse la manta – to cover oneself with the blanket

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Check

Remember that 'manta' is always feminine, even though it ends in 'a'. Use 'la manta' and 'una manta'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Regional Choice

In many parts of Latin America, 'cobija' is more common than 'manta' for a bed blanket, while 'manta' is understood everywhere.

A large, flat stingray swimming gracefully near the sandy seabed in clear blue ocean water.

Manta as a stingray (the flat sea creature).

manta(noun)

fB1

stingray

?

the flat sea creature

Also:

ray

?

general term for the fish

📝 In Action

La manta raya es un animal marino fascinante por su forma plana.

B1

The stingray is a fascinating marine animal because of its flat shape.

Tuvimos suerte y vimos una manta gigante cerca de la costa.

B2

We were lucky and saw a giant ray near the coast.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • manta raya – manta ray (the complete name)
  • manta gigante – giant ray

💡 Grammar Points

Visual Connection

This meaning relates to the first one because the stingray is flat and wide, like a 'blanket' covering the seabed.

A simple, well-worn wooden paddle with a handle resting on a rustic wooden floor, symbolizing a thrashing or punishment.

Manta referring to a severe thrashing or beating.

manta(noun)

fC1

beating

?

a physical assault or thrashing

Also:

a huge amount

?

a massive quantity or crowd (regional slang)

📝 In Action

Si no haces la tarea, tu madre te va a dar una manta.

B2

If 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.

C1

There was a huge crowd of people shopping in the mall.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • paliza (beating)
  • mogollón (a lot (informal))

Common Collocations

  • dar una manta – to give a beating
  • una manta de – a huge amount of

💡 Grammar Points

Slang Use

This meaning is often used in the set phrase 'dar una manta' (to give a beating) and should generally be avoided in formal settings.

✏️ 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

mantilla(small shawl/lace veil) - noun
mantón(large shawl) - noun
mantear(to toss in a blanket) - verb

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').