A transparent, empty drinking glass tumbler resting on a solid surface, emphasizing the clear material.

vidrio

VEE-dree-oh

nounmA1

glass?the material

Also:pane of glass?a window surface,glassware?as a collective noun

📝 In Action

Esta mesa tiene una cubierta de vidrio.

This table has a glass top.

Recuerda tirar las botellas de vidrio al contenedor azul para reciclaje.

Remember to throw glass bottles into the blue recycling bin.

Ten cuidado con el vidrio roto en el suelo.

Be careful with the broken glass on the floor.

Word Connections

Synonyms

cristal (crystal, glass (often high quality))

Common Collocations

vidrio templado – tempered glass
vidrio esmerilado – frosted glass
romper el vidrio – to break the glass

💡 Grammar Points

Use of 'De' for Materials

To say what something is made of, use 'de' (of/from). For example: 'un vaso de vidrio' (a glass cup) or 'una pared de madera' (a wooden wall).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Vidrio vs. Vaso

Mistake: "Using 'vidrio' when referring to a drinking cup."

Correction: Use 'vaso' for the object you drink from ('a glass of water'). 'Vidrio' is the material it's made of (glass).

⭐ Usage Tips

Cristal vs. Vidrio

While often interchangeable, 'cristal' usually implies higher quality, clarity, or crystal itself, whereas 'vidrio' is the general term for the material.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: vidrio

Question 1 of 2

Which Spanish word would you use if you asked a waiter for 'a glass of water'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

vaso(drinking glass, cup) - noun

vidriera(stained glass window, shop window) - noun

vidriero(glazier (person who installs glass)) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'vidrio' countable or uncountable?

It can be both! When talking about the material generally (like 'glass is recyclable'), it's uncountable. When referring to a specific piece or pane (like 'I bought two pieces of glass'), it can be treated as countable, though it often remains singular ('dos vidrios').

How is 'vidrio' different from 'cristal'?

'Vidrio' is the standard, general word for manufactured glass. 'Cristal' can mean crystal (like quartz) or is often used to refer to very clear, high-quality glass, sometimes implying a higher quality product.