Inklingo
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paño

pah-nyo/ˈpa.ɲo/

cloth

Also: rag, duster
NounmA2
A soft yellow cleaning cloth folded neatly on a wooden table.

📝 In Action

Limpia la mesa con un paño húmedo.

A1

Clean the table with a damp cloth.

Necesito un paño de cocina para secar los platos.

A2

I need a kitchen towel to dry the dishes.

Usa un paño suave para no rayar la pantalla de la televisión.

B1

Use a soft cloth so you don't scratch the TV screen.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • trapo (rag/cloth)
  • bayeta (cleaning cloth)

Common Collocations

  • paño húmedo – damp cloth
  • paño de cocina – dish towel / kitchen cloth
  • paño de lágrimas – shoulder to cry on

Idioms & Expressions

  • ser el paño de lágrimas de alguien – To be the person someone always goes to when they need to vent or cry.
  • a cuerpo de paño – To go out without a coat/cloak, wearing only indoor clothes.

wool fabric

Also: felt
NounmB2
A thick roll of dark blue wool fabric showing its heavy texture.

📝 In Action

Este abrigo de paño es muy abrigado para el invierno.

B2

This wool cloth coat is very warm for the winter.

El paño de la mesa de billar es de color verde.

C1

The felt on the billiard table is green.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • fieltro (felt)
  • tejido (fabric/weave)

Common Collocations

  • abrigo de paño – wool coat
  • paño fino – fine wool/high-quality cloth

skin patches

NounmC1informal
Latin America
A close-up illustration of a person's cheek with soft brown patches.

📝 In Action

A mi tía le salió paño en la cara durante el embarazo.

C1

My aunt got dark skin patches on her face during pregnancy.

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "paño" in Spanish:

duster→skin patches→wool fabric→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: paño

Question 1 of 3

If you want to clean a spilled drink, what should you ask for?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
pañal(diaper) — Noun
pañuelo(handkerchief / scarf) — Noun
empañar(to fog up / to dull) — Verb
pañería(drapery shop) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
bañodañoaño
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'pannus', which referred to a piece of cloth or a garment. This same root gave English the word 'pane' (like a window pane, which used to be covered with cloth).

First recorded: 10th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: pannoFrench: pagne

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'paño' and 'pañuelo'?

A 'paño' is typically a larger cloth used for cleaning or the material of a coat. A 'pañuelo' is specifically a small handkerchief for your nose or a fashion scarf.

Is 'paño' used for clothes in all countries?

Yes, but it specifically refers to the material (heavy wool). In many Latin American countries, 'paño' also commonly refers to skin spots, which is less common in Spain.

Can 'paño' mean a towel?

Not usually a bath towel (that's 'toalla'), but it is used for 'paño de cocina' (kitchen towel/dish cloth).