tabla
“tabla” means “board” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
board, plank
Also: cutting board, surfboard
📝 In Action
Necesitamos una tabla de madera para reparar la cerca.
A1We need a wooden board to repair the fence.
Por favor, usa la tabla de cortar para el pan.
A2Please use the cutting board for the bread.
Mi hermano compró una tabla de surf nueva para el verano.
B1My brother bought a new surfboard for the summer.
table, chart
Also: spreadsheet, list
📝 In Action
Por favor, consulta la tabla de contenidos para encontrar el capítulo.
B1Please consult the table of contents to find the chapter.
El profesor nos hizo memorizar la tabla de multiplicar.
A2The teacher made us memorize the times table.
Los resultados están resumidos en la siguiente tabla.
B2The results are summarized in the following table.
draw, tie
Also: score (plural)
📝 In Action
El partido de fútbol terminó en tabla a cero.
B2The soccer match ended in a zero-zero draw.
El ajedrecista forzó las tablas para no perder.
C1The chess player forced the draw so as not to lose.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "tabla" in Spanish:
board→chart→cutting board→draw→list→plank→spreadsheet→surfboard→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tabla
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'tabla' to mean a structured list of data?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin word *tabula*, which meant a flat plank, writing tablet, or a public record/list. This explains why 'tabla' refers both to a physical piece of wood and to a data chart.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'tabla' and 'mesa'?
'Tabla' refers to a flat, thin piece of material (like a plank or a cutting board) or to a chart/list of data. 'Mesa' is the actual piece of furniture with legs that you use for eating or working.
Can I use 'tabla' for a whiteboard or blackboard?
Not usually. For a whiteboard or blackboard used in a classroom, the correct word is 'pizarra' or 'tablero'. 'Tabla' is generally smaller, thinner, or refers to a data structure.