Inklingo

How to Say "cup" in Spanish

English → Spanish

taza

TAH-sah/ˈta.sa/

nounA1informal
Use 'taza' for a small container, typically with a handle, used for drinking hot beverages like coffee or tea.
A brightly colored ceramic coffee cup with a handle, steam rising from the hot liquid inside.

Examples

Me preparé una taza de té caliente antes de dormir.

I made myself a cup of hot tea before sleeping.

Necesito una taza de café para despertarme.

I need a cup of coffee to wake up.

Esta taza tiene un asa rota, ten cuidado.

This mug has a broken handle, be careful.

Me compré una taza nueva con dibujos de gatos.

I bought myself a new cup with cat drawings.

Feminine Noun Rule

Remember that 'taza' is always feminine, so you must use 'la taza' and 'una taza'. Even though it ends in 'a', it’s important to memorize the gender for every noun.

Taza vs. Vaso

Mistake: “Using 'taza' for cold drinks like water or soda.”

Correction: Use 'vaso' for cold drinks (glass/tumbler) and 'taza' specifically for hot drinks (cup/mug). '¿Quieres un vaso de agua?'

vaso

/VAH-soh//ˈbaso/

nounA1informal
Use 'vaso' for a general drinking vessel, especially one without a handle, used for cold drinks like water or juice.
A single, empty, clear cylindrical drinking glass, sometimes called a tumbler, sitting on a plain surface.

Examples

¿Me puedes dar un vaso de agua, por favor?

Can you give me a cup of water, please?

Necesito un vaso limpio para el jugo.

I need a clean glass for the juice.

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

Can you put the glasses on the table, please?

It's Masculine

Remember that 'vaso' is a masculine word, so you always use 'el vaso' or 'un vaso'.

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).

copa

KOH-pah/ˈko.pa/

nounA2
Use 'copa' when referring to a trophy or prize, especially in a competition or tournament.
A large, gleaming gold trophy with two handles sitting on a pedestal, symbolizing victory.

Examples

El equipo celebró la victoria con la copa.

The team celebrated the victory with the cup.

El equipo de fútbol levantó la copa tras ganar la final.

The soccer team lifted the trophy after winning the final.

Ellos jugarán en la Copa Mundial el próximo año.

They will play in the World Cup next year.

Taza vs. Vaso for Drinks

The most common mistake is confusing 'taza' and 'vaso'. Remember that 'taza' is almost always for hot drinks and often has a handle, while 'vaso' is typically for cold drinks and is usually a plain glass.

Related Translations

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