Inklingo

How to Say "coat" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “coat” is “abrigo” — use 'abrigo' for a heavy, warm outer garment worn for protection against cold weather, like a winter coat..

abrigo🔊A1

Use 'abrigo' for a heavy, warm outer garment worn for protection against cold weather, like a winter coat.

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chaqueta🔊A1

Use 'chaqueta' for a lighter outerwear garment, similar to a jacket or a lighter coat, often worn in milder weather or for protection against wind.

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capa🔊B1

Use 'capa' to refer to a layer or covering of something, such as dust, snow, or a thin film, not an item of clothing.

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mano🔊B1

Use 'mano' specifically when referring to a coat or layer of paint or varnish being applied to a surface.

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pasada🔊B1

Use 'pasada' to refer to a single application or layer of paint or varnish, emphasizing the action of applying it.

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saco🔊A1

While 'saco' can sometimes mean outerwear, it most commonly refers to a sack or bag; use with caution for clothing as 'abrigo' or 'chaqueta' are more precise.

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English → Spanish

abrigo

ah-BREE-goh/aˈβɾi.ɣo/

nounA1general
Use 'abrigo' for a heavy, warm outer garment worn for protection against cold weather, like a winter coat.
A thick, warm red winter coat with large buttons hanging on a simple wooden wall hook.

Examples

Necesito un abrigo nuevo para el invierno.

I need a new coat for the winter.

Dejé mi abrigo olvidado en el restaurante.

I left my coat forgotten in the restaurant.

Este abrigo de lana es muy calentito.

This wool coat is very warm.

Gender Rule

Since 'abrigo' is a masculine noun, remember to use masculine articles and adjectives with it (el abrigo, un abrigo, abrigos grandes).

chaqueta

cha-KAY-tah/tʃaˈketa/

nounA1general
Use 'chaqueta' for a lighter outerwear garment, similar to a jacket or a lighter coat, often worn in milder weather or for protection against wind.
A bright red jacket with a zipper and pockets, hanging on a simple wooden hook.

Examples

Ponte la chaqueta antes de salir, hace mucho viento.

Put on your jacket before going out, it's very windy.

Olvidé mi chaqueta en el restaurante, es de lana.

I forgot my jacket in the restaurant, it's wool.

El uniforme incluye una chaqueta gris y pantalones oscuros.

The uniform includes a gray blazer and dark pants.

Gender Check

Even though it ends in '-a,' remember that 'chaqueta' is always a feminine noun. You must use 'la' or 'una' before it.

Confusing Jacket and Coat

Mistake: “Using 'chaqueta' for a very heavy winter coat.”

Correction: For a long, heavy winter coat, the word 'abrigo' is usually better. 'Chaqueta' is typically shorter and lighter.

capa

KAH-pah/ˈkapa/

nounB1general
Use 'capa' to refer to a layer or covering of something, such as dust, snow, or a thin film, not an item of clothing.
A cross-section illustration showing three distinct, colorful layers of paint stacked on a surface, representing a layer of material.

Examples

Hay una capa de polvo muy gruesa sobre la mesa.

There is a very thick layer of dust on the table.

Necesitamos aplicar otra capa de pintura para que quede bien.

We need to apply another coat of paint so that it looks good.

La Tierra tiene varias capas, incluyendo la atmósfera.

The Earth has several layers, including the atmosphere.

Describing Thickness

To talk about how thick a layer is, use adjectives like 'gruesa' (thick) or 'fina' (thin), agreeing in gender: 'una capa fina'.

mano

/mah-noh//ˈma.no/

nounB1general
Use 'mano' specifically when referring to a coat or layer of paint or varnish being applied to a surface.
A paintbrush applying a single, smooth layer of blue paint onto a neutral wall, showing a distinct coat.

Examples

La pared necesita una segunda mano de pintura.

The wall needs a second coat of paint.

Con una mano de barniz será suficiente.

One coat of varnish will be enough.

pasada

pah-SAH-dah/paˈsaða/

nounB1general
Use 'pasada' to refer to a single application or layer of paint or varnish, emphasizing the action of applying it.
A close-up illustration of a hand holding a wide paintbrush applying a single, thick blue layer of paint onto a flat wooden surface.

Examples

Esta pared necesita una segunda pasada de pintura blanca.

This wall needs a second coat of white paint.

Con una pasada de la plancha, la camisa quedó perfecta.

With one stroke of the iron, the shirt was perfect.

Counting Layers

When talking about layers, use ordinal numbers (primera, segunda) or cardinal numbers (una, dos, tres) before 'pasada': 'la tercera pasada de barniz' (the third coat of varnish).

saco

SAH-koh/ˈsa.ko/

nounA1general
While 'saco' can sometimes mean outerwear, it most commonly refers to a sack or bag; use with caution for clothing as 'abrigo' or 'chaqueta' are more precise.
A large, simple brown woven cloth sack, tied shut near the top, sitting on a plain surface.

Examples

El granjero llenó el saco de papas.

The farmer filled the sack of potatoes.

Lleva un saco elegante para la reunión.

He is wearing a smart jacket for the meeting.

Necesito un saco de dormir para acampar.

I need a sleeping bag for camping.

Masculine Noun

Even though it ends in 'o,' remember to use the masculine articles: 'el saco' or 'un saco'.

Clothing vs. Layers

The most common mistake is confusing 'abrigo' and 'chaqueta' for clothing with 'capa', 'mano', or 'pasada' which refer to layers of other substances. Remember, 'abrigo' is a heavy coat, 'chaqueta' is a lighter jacket, while 'capa', 'mano', and 'pasada' are layers of paint or other materials.

Related Translations

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