servilleta

ser-bee-YEH-tah/seɾβiˈʎeta/

“servilleta” means “napkin” in Spanish (a piece of paper or cloth used while eating).

napkin

Also: serviette

General

¿Me pasas una servilleta, por favor?

Can you pass me a napkin, please?

He manchado mi servilleta con salsa de tomate.

I've stained my napkin with tomato sauce.

En las cenas formales, la servilleta de tela se coloca sobre las rodillas.

At formal dinners, the cloth napkin is placed on your lap.

escribir algo en una servilleta – to write down a quick idea or a phone number in a casual way

Words that translate to "servilleta" in Spanish:

Question 1 of 3

Where would you most likely find a 'servilleta'?

👥 Word Family▼

servilletero(napkin holder) — Noun

servilletazo(a hit with a napkin) — Noun

🎵 Rhymes▼

📚 Etymology▼

Derived from the Spanish word 'servilla' (a type of small shoe or cloth) which comes from 'servir' (to serve). Ultimately from the Latin 'servire'.

First recorded: 17th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: serviettePortuguese: guardanapo

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Is 'servilleta' the same as a tissue?

Not quite. A 'servilleta' is a napkin for eating. A tissue for your nose is called a 'pañuelo' or 'clínex'.

How do I ask for a napkin in a restaurant?

You can say: '¿Me puede traer una servilleta?' (Can you bring me a napkin?)

Are there different words for paper and cloth napkins?

The word 'servilleta' covers both, but you can specify 'de papel' (paper) or 'de tela' (cloth) if needed.