pala
/PAH-lah/
shovel
A 'pala' is a tool used for digging or moving earth.
pala(noun)
shovel
?tool for digging or moving dirt
spade
?gardening tool
,dustpan
?used for sweeping up dust, often called 'pala de basura'
📝 In Action
Usé la pala para cavar un hoyo en el jardín.
A1I used the shovel to dig a hole in the garden.
Necesitamos una pala para quitar la nieve de la entrada.
A2We need a shovel to clear the snow from the driveway.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Articles
Since this word ends in 'a' and is feminine, always use 'la' or 'una'. For more than one, use 'las' or 'unas'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Pala vs. Paleta
Mistake: "Using 'pala' for a small hand-held gardening trowel."
Correction: Use 'paleta' for small hand tools and 'pala' for the large tool you use with two hands.
⭐ Usage Tips
Construction Context
In construction, 'pala' can also refer to the large mechanical bucket on a tractor or excavator.
In sports like padel, the solid racket is called a 'pala'.
pala(noun)
paddle
?solid racket used in sports like padel
racket
?used interchangeably in some sports, though 'pala' implies no strings
📝 In Action
Mi pala de pádel es muy ligera.
A2My padel paddle is very light.
¿Me prestas tu pala para jugar?
A1Can I borrow your paddle to play?
⭐ Usage Tips
Pala vs. Raqueta
In Spanish, a 'raqueta' (tennis) has strings, while a 'pala' (padel/ping-pong) is usually a solid surface.
The word 'pala' also refers to the blade of a propeller or fan.
📝 In Action
El ventilador tiene tres palas.
B2The fan has three blades.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pala
Question 1 of 1
If you are playing 'Pádel' (a popular Spanish sport), what are you holding?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'pala' used for a dustpan?
Yes, although the specific term is 'recogedor', many people colloquially call it 'pala' or 'pala de basura'.
What is the difference between 'pala' and 'paleta'?
A 'pala' is usually a large tool used with two hands for heavy work. A 'paleta' is a smaller, one-handed version used for gardening or masonry.