plantas
“plantas” means “plants” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
plants
Also: vegetation
📝 In Action
Necesito regar las plantas del balcón.
A1I need to water the plants on the balcony.
Hay muchas plantas medicinales en el jardín de mi abuela.
A2There are many medicinal plants in my grandmother's garden.
floors
Also: storeys
📝 In Action
¿En qué plantas están las oficinas principales?
A2On which floors are the main offices?
Subimos por las escaleras hasta las plantas superiores.
B1We went up the stairs to the upper floors.
you plant
Also: you put down
📝 In Action
Si plantas más árboles, tendremos más sombra.
A2If you plant more trees, we will have more shade.
¿Qué plantas hoy en el huerto?
A2What are you planting in the garden today?
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: plantas
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'plantas' in the verb form?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The Spanish word 'planta' comes directly from the Latin word *planta*, meaning 'sprout, cutting, or sole of the foot'. This is why the word refers both to vegetation and to the bottom part (or 'base') of a building or a foot.
First recorded: Medieval Latin (c. 13th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'plantas' means 'plants' or 'floors'?
Context is key! If the sentence mentions watering, gardening, or leaves, it means the living organism. If it mentions buildings, climbing stairs, or architects, it means floors/levels.
Is 'plantas' ever used to mean the sole of the foot?
Yes, absolutely! The singular 'planta del pie' means 'sole of the foot.' The plural 'plantas de los pies' means 'soles of the feet,' though this is less common than the other two meanings.