vaso
/VAH-soh/
glass
This simple container is a vaso, meaning a drinking glass without a stem.
vaso(noun)
glass
?drinking container without a stem
tumbler
?a specific type of glass
,cup
?less common, but used generally for a drinking vessel
📝 In Action
Necesito un vaso limpio para el jugo.
A1I need a clean glass for the juice.
¿Puedes poner los vasos en la mesa, por favor?
A1Can you put the glasses on the table, please?
💡 Grammar Points
It's Masculine
Remember that 'vaso' is a masculine word, so you always use 'el vaso' or 'un vaso'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Vaso vs. Copa
Mistake: "Using 'vaso' for a wine glass."
Correction: Use 'vaso' for a regular drinking glass (like for water or soda) and 'copa' for a stemmed glass (like for wine or champagne).
⭐ Usage Tips
Ordering Drinks
When asking for a drink, you often just say 'un vaso de...' (a glass of...), which implies both the container and the content.
When you refer to the quantity, such as 'a glass of milk,' you are using vaso to mean the amount that fits in the container.
📝 In Action
Bebió un vaso de leche antes de acostarse.
A2He drank a glass of milk before going to bed.
Debes tomar ocho vasos de agua al día.
B1You should drink eight glasses of water a day.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'de'
When 'vaso' refers to the amount, it is almost always followed by the preposition 'de' (of) to specify the liquid: 'un vaso de cerveza' (a glass of beer).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: vaso
Question 1 of 2
Which Spanish word is used for the material that a drinking glass is made of?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'vaso' ever used to mean 'blood vessel'?
Yes, in medical or anatomical contexts, 'vaso' is often used as a shortened form for 'vaso sanguíneo' (blood vessel). This connects back to the word's ancient meaning of 'vessel' or 'tube'.
How do I know whether to use 'vaso' or 'taza'?
'Vaso' is typically for cold drinks (water, soda, juice) and usually made of glass or plastic. 'Taza' is for hot drinks (coffee, tea, soup) and usually has a handle.