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vaso

VAH-soh/ˈbaso/

“vaso” means “glass” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

glass

Also: tumbler, cup
NounmA1
A single, empty, clear cylindrical drinking glass, sometimes called a tumbler, sitting on a plain surface.

📝 In Action

Necesito un vaso limpio para el jugo.

A1

I need a clean glass for the juice.

¿Puedes poner los vasos en la mesa, por favor?

A1

Can you put the glasses on the table, please?

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • vaso de plástico – plastic cup
  • vaso desechable – disposable cup

a glass (of)

Also: glassful
NounmA2
A clear drinking glass filled completely to the brim with bright blue water, representing a defined volume.

📝 In Action

Bebió un vaso de leche antes de acostarse.

A2

He drank a glass of milk before going to bed.

Debes tomar ocho vasos de agua al día.

B1

You should drink eight glasses of water a day.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • porción (portion)

Common Collocations

  • medio vaso – half a glass
  • dos vasos llenos – two full glasses

🔀 Commonly Confused With

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "vaso" in Spanish:

cup→glass→glassful→tumbler→

✏️ 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

👥 Word Family▼
vasija(clay pot or large vessel) — Noun
vasito(small glass / shot glass (diminutive)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word 'vaso' comes directly from the Latin word *vasum*, which meant 'vessel' or 'container.' This ancient root is why 'vaso' can refer both to a drinking glass and, in anatomy, to a vessel carrying fluids (like a blood vessel).

First recorded: Medieval Spanish

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: vasoPortuguese: vaso

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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.