tapón
“tapón” means “stopper” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
stopper, plug, cap
Also: cork
📝 In Action
No encuentro el tapón de la botella de agua.
A1I can't find the cap for the water bottle.
Quita el tapón para que salga el agua del fregadero.
A2Take the plug out so the water can drain from the sink.
La botella de vino tiene un tapón de corcho.
B1The wine bottle has a cork stopper.
traffic jam
Also: bottleneck
📝 In Action
Llego tarde porque hay un tapón en la autopista.
B1I'm late because there is a traffic jam on the highway.
Siempre se forma un tapón a esta hora.
B1A traffic jam always forms at this time.
block
📝 In Action
El pívot le puso un tapón espectacular.
B2The center gave him a spectacular block.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tapón
Question 1 of 3
What happens to the accent mark when 'tapón' becomes plural?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Derived from the verb 'tapar' (to cover), which comes from a Germanic word meaning 'to plug' or 'to close off'. It shares roots with the English word 'tap' (as in a faucet).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can 'tapón' refer to earplugs?
Yes! We call them 'tapones para los oídos' because they plug your ear canal.
Is 'tapón' used for a person?
In some informal contexts, it's used as slang for a very short person, though it can be slightly rude.
What is the difference between 'atasco' and 'tapón'?
They mean the same thing regarding traffic. 'Atasco' is very common in Spain, while 'tapón' is more common in parts of Latin America.