manto
“manto” means “cloak” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
cloak
Also: mantle, robe
📝 In Action
El rey llevaba un manto de terciopelo rojo durante la coronación.
B1The king wore a red velvet cloak during the coronation.
La estatua de la virgen tiene un manto bordado en oro.
B2The statue of the virgin has a cloak embroidered in gold.
En la obra de teatro, el villano se escondía tras su manto.
B1In the play, the villain hid behind his cloak.
blanket, mantle
Also: shroud, layer
📝 In Action
Un manto de nieve cubrió toda la ciudad durante la noche.
B1A blanket of snow covered the whole city during the night.
El manto terrestre es la capa más gruesa del planeta.
B2The Earth's mantle is the thickest layer of the planet.
La ciudad quedó oculta bajo un manto de neblina.
C1The city remained hidden under a shroud of mist.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: manto
Question 1 of 3
Which of these would you use 'manto' to describe?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'mantum', which referred to a short cloak or a covering.
First recorded: 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'manto' the same as 'capa'?
They are very similar. However, 'capa' is the general word for any cape or layer. 'Manto' is more formal, often used for royalty, religious figures, or large-scale natural layers like snow or the Earth's interior.
Can I use 'manto' for a bed blanket?
No. For a bed blanket, you should use 'manta' (feminine). 'Manto' is a more poetic or technical term for a covering layer.
Is it 'el manto' or 'la manto'?
It is always 'el manto'. It is a masculine noun regardless of what it is covering.